Charley CAUSERET Ambassador of France
It is my pleasure and honour to address the people of Bangladesh and my fellow citizens in this country on the occasion of the French National Day.
Bastille Day, as it is often called, commemorates the fight of the people of Paris in 1789 for destroying a prison that was, by itself, the symbol of the arbitrary power of the monarchy. What the French are really observing today is not only the storming of the Bastille, but also the "Fête de la Fédération", an event that a year later consecrated the unity of our country and built the foundations of our nation. On 14 July 1790, delegates from all the provinces (of France) flocked to Paris to proclaim their allegiance to a single common nation. Therefore, today's commemoration can also be seen as a symbol of national reconciliation.
On that occasion, the values upon which every democratic system is now founded, namely "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity", were proclaimed. Going far beyond the French territory, this motto was meant to be universally shared.
However, all of us are aware that these ideals are frail and fragile. The French National Day offers an opportunity to remind us that they have to be endlessly defended. By celebrating these principles, we champion them. I am very happy to remember these values today with our Bangladeshi friends, who so bravely fought for their independence, and showed their commitment in the restoration of democracy and the fundamental rights that we so cherish.
Since the recognition of the independence of Bangladesh by France on 12 February 1972, our relationship is developing harmoniously. On many international issues such as multilateralism, cultural diversity and the protection of the environment, both countries share the same views. In particular, we believe that economic development and poverty eradication are at the heart of the fight against climate change and that financial assistance should be urgently provided to the most at risk countries, like Bangladesh, to prevent major disasters.
Over the past year, ministerial visits have further strengthened our existing friendship and bilateral relations. Before the Copenhagen Summit, Mr. Jean-Louis Borloo, French Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning, led a delegation on a visit to Dhaka for talks with the Bangladeshi Government. Before holding discussions with the Bangladeshi authorities and Professor Yunus, Mr. Martin Hirsch, French High Commissioner for Youth and Solidarity against Poverty, came to Bangladesh last December to visit social business projects in Bogra. Last month, France was honoured to welcome the Foreign Minister, Dr Dipu Moni, who met with her counterpart Bernard Kouchner on 22 June to prepare future visits at the highest level.
While France is contributing to the development of Bangladesh by partly funding projects run by the European Commission, I am pleased to confirm that the French Development Agency (AFD) is going to resume its activities and directly implement programmes of co-operation, here, later this year. We also believe that in export oriented countries like Bangladesh, trade is as important as aid. In 2009, the French imports of Bangladeshi products have increased by 6% compared to 2008, leaving France as the fourth largest export market for Bangladesh, with revenues amounting to more than $1 billion. For many years, major French companies have chosen to invest in this country. One of the best examples would probably be the Lafarge cement factory, which is, gas sector excluded, the most important foreign investor in Bangladesh.
Our relations are not only of political and economic nature. A mutual interest in each other's culture has contributed to develop close links in this field. Over 3000 students are currently enrolled for French classes at the Alliance Française de Dacca, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in December last year, as well as another thousand at the Alliance in Chittagong. With the introduction of various artistic workshops, regular exhibitions and concerts, cultural activities are also booming. The Alliance française has set up two major events. First, the Fête de la Musique, a popular music festival, customarily launched every year on 21 June to celebrate the arrival of summer, was inaugurated in 2000. Secondly, a French Drama Festival was established in 2008. Organized every year in April, this now well-known event invites a Bangladeshi audience to discover major French plays adapted in Bangla.
Regarding the outstanding cultural heritage of this country, French and Bangladeshi archeologists are working together since 1993 on excavations at Mahasthangarh. During its last campaign, the joint mission made important discoveries which will enlighten the history of one of the oldest cities in Bangladesh. May I also mention that many talented artists, such as the sculptress Novera, the painter Shahabuddin Ahmed and the mime Partha Pratim Majumder, who have opted to settle down in Paris, contribute to showcase the richness of the multifaceted Bangladeshi culture in France.
Let me assure you that the French Embassy in Bangladesh will continue to further strengthen the friendly relations and actively promote the exchanges between our two countries. I wish every success and happiness to Bangladesh, France, and their people.