Diplomatic Correspondent

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy said on Thursday that her country believes that Bangladesh matters for the stability of the region because of its strategic location.

“France’s eagerness to build up its relationship with Bangladesh is backed by the assumption that your country matters, that the fate and trajectory of your country do matter for the stability of this part of the world, at the heart of the Indo Pacific region,” she said while addressing a programme marking her country’s national day at the Embassy of France in the capital.

Mentioning that the leaders of the two countries do enjoy a special relationship, she said relations between Bangladesh and France have indeed never been thriving like they are now.

“Our political relations enjoy a high degree of confidence and mutual trust, as shown by the historical visit of President Macron to Bangladesh last September,” the ambassador said.

She said France’s vision for the Indo-Pacific is based on respecting the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of its partners, and the country’s eagerness is to support Bangladesh in acquiring its strategic autonomy.

Terming the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity as an integral part of France’s national heritage, Masdupuy shared a common will to freshen up and reinvent the core values of democracy amid the rise of conflicts, populism, and an illiberal attitude.

Citing the examples of ‘Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’ and the sufferings of the Palestinian people, the French ambassador said conflict situations make it more difficult to efficiently craft solutions for damaged global goods.

“To fight against the impacts of climate change, France will continue to support ambitious goals and will strive to convince those countries and interest groups who haven’t yet admitted there is no Planet B!”

She said her country will adopt an adaptation pact soon with Bangladesh, recognising the country’s pioneering role in crafting locally led adaptation solutions.

Masdupuy said the UN Ocean Conference will be held in Nice in June next year, and her country will look forward to the active participation of Bangladesh in it to join hands for the conservation of the oceans.

She wished all the best to the Bangladeshi athletes who will compete soon in the Paris 2024 Olympics later this month.

Mentioning the Alliance Française in Dhaka’s 65th anniversary celebration programme in October this year, the French ambassador said they are actively preparing the launch in France of cultural events focused on Bangladesh to start in the spring of 2025.

“And our archaeological cooperation is actively involved in the rehabilitation of Bangladesh’s cultural and historical legacy, like in Mahasthangarh,” she added.

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq graced the event as the chief guest.