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On Thursday, July 17th, the acting Ambassador of Pakistan in France, Mr. Muhammad Amjad Aziz Qazi, connected with former Councillor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs in Islamabad at the French Embassy in Pakistan between 2016 and 2020, Mr. André de Bussy, in order to discuss the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.Ìý

At SIU, we are intricately interwoven in the international landscape and are continuously involved in day-to-day occurrences both in terms of business news and the socioeconomic reality that surrounds us and how it affects our lives. We have therefore decided to launchÌýSIU Talks. Led byÌýrenowned professionalsÌýin various sectors and byÌýspecialistsÌýinÌýinternational geopolitics, these talks explore in-depth topics and provide further insight into different areas.Ìý

During the SIU Pakistan-France Relations Talk, Qazi and de Bussy explored theÌýdiplomatic relations between Pakistan and FranceÌýthat were first established inÌý1947. In July of 1951, both countries agreed to open embassy services in each country and therefore France was one of the first non-Muslim states to recognize Pakistan.ÌýÌý

During the talk, Qazi discussesÌýfour main aspectsÌýof the links between the two countries, focusing on politics, economy, defense and culture.Ìý He begins by highlighting the political relations between Pakistan and France, discussing the liaison between the Pakistani embassy in Paris and the French embassy in Islamabad in connection with both governments.ÌýÌý

He then introduces theÌýdefense relationshipÌýbetween the two countries, stating that the Pakistani Air Force has a large number of French aircraft and holds many trainings and visits to France.ÌýÌý

The third important aspect lies inÌýtrade, economy and investmentÌýbetween the two countries. The major French exports to Pakistan include pharmaceuticals, electrical components and aircraft parts. Pakistani exports to France include textiles, clothing, rice, leather and some fruits and vegetables. Both countries have upgraded their economic relationship recently and continue to grow in trade and investment.Ìý

During the talk Qazi also highlights theÌýeducationalÌýlinks between both countries, revealing that a French agency responsible for recruiting has been working with theÌýHigher Education Commission of PakistanÌýfor the last few years and establishes regular exchanges and visits.Ìý800 Pakistani studentsÌýare currently studying in French universities.ÌýÌý

He states that both countries would like to focus further on the environment and climate change and also compares the cultural and geographical similarities between the two countries, highlighting Pakistani cuisine presence in Paris as well as the influence of music and festivals in France.ÌýÌý

Later on in the talk,Ìýde BussyÌýconnects to share his experience in Islamabad. He served as theÌýCouncillor for Cooperation and Cultural AffairsÌýin Islamabad at the French Embassy in Pakistan between 2016 and 2020. He once again highlights the cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Paris, mentioning again the 800 Pakistani students studying in Paris. He states that there are various languages spokenÌýin PakistanÌýand thatÌýeveryone speaks at least three to four languages, allowing Pakistanis to easily work and live in Paris as they easily pick up the language.ÌýÌý

Both Qazi and de Bussy recognize the strong ties between Pakistan and France which they reveal throughout the talk based on their own personal experiences in both countries, highlighting the future prospects for a continued strong relationship between the two countries.ÌýÌý

ÌýWatch the full SIU Pakistan-France Relations Talk videoÌý