Celebration and farewell

Islamabad

A festive air prevailed at the Serena Hotel to celebrate the National Day of France – commonly known as ‘Bastille Day’ - with bunting; banners and flowers reflecting the red, white and blue colours of the French flag, while music and a video screening of the sights and sounds of France added to the ambience. Hosted by the Ambassador of France, Martine Dorance, the reception was a well attended affair attended by senior and junior diplomats who are in town; military officers from the Diplomatic Defence Corps as well as the Pakistan military; politicians both in and out of power; businesspersons and members of civil society. The guest of honour was Minister for Commerce, Ghulam Dastgir Khan and he and the hostess were joined by others when the cake was cut after the national anthems of both countries had been played.

Extending a warm welcome to her guests, Ambassador Dorance first said a few words in French for the benefit of her compatriots; expressed her love and appreciation for Pakistan and its people in Urdu, as well as thanked them for the hospitality that had been extended to her throughout her stay. For this effort she received a continuous round of applause from the audience. Last but not least, she continued in English to speak of the strong bonds of friendship that exist between France and Pakistan since the last 70 years and how France was committed to the welfare and development of Pakistan. She concluded by saying she was leaving Pakistan with a heavy heart but she would always carry fond memories of her stay ‘in this beautiful country.’

Minister Dastgir conveyed the good wishes of his government and himself to the people of France and his hostess and thanked her for kind remarks. Reiterating the ambassadors remarks about Pakistan –France friendship and cooperation he said relations between the two countries had grown and deepened since the ambassador had come to Pakistan and he hoped she would act as an ambassador for Pakistan when she went home.  Dinner was served with European/French specialties; there was a variety of cheese to choose from and of course the crepes were a popular choice for desert with the different sauces that they were served with. The reception had been allotted a three hour time slot so there was a constant coming and going of guests who came to congratulate the members of the French embassy and to say goodbye to the hostess who will leave Pakistan sometime in August.