French Ambassador in Bangladesh Marie-Annick Bourdin on Saturday said Bangladesh and France can do more together in consolidating democracy through free and fair elections, as well as inclusive, and in defending the human rights of all women and men in the world, as well as in their respective countries, reports UNB.
The Ambassador made the remarks while delivering her speech at a reception marking the National Day of the French Republic. State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam was present as the chief guest on the occasion.
Ambassador Bourdin said they are convinced that two countries can do and achieve a lot more together in ensuring sustainable development for all, implementing the 2030 Agenda and assisting each other in implementing international commitments.
She said the two friendly countries can do a lot in contributing to peace and stability, as both countries hold shared views on a number of issues of concern, and are active contributors to peacekeeping operations.
The Ambassador talked about two countries' role in promoting the importance of education and diversity of languages and cultures, in which are rooted the identity, the sense of belonging and individual rights of every citizen.
"They have been and remain key factors in our respective history and fight for emancipation," she said.
Ambassador Bourdin, while sharing a series of announcements, said President Emmanuel Macron has invited leaders from all countries who contributed troops in the 1st World War, and Bangladesh has also been invited, to commemorate the 1918 armistice, on the 11th of November.
"Besides the commemorative ceremonies, France is organising the Paris Peace Forum, a Global Platform for Governance projects, aiming at consolidating peace and building a more cooperative and better organised planet, on November 11-13. Kindly take both documents: presentation of the Paris Peace Forum and call for applications, to see if and how you can contribute with your own initiative," she said.
The Ambassador said Bangladesh and France have developed warm and friendly relations since the early days of the fight for Independence led by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1971.
Andre Malraux, who fought for freedom during the civil war in Spain, lent him a strong support, along with other intellectuals (B. Henri-Levy).
"Our President lauded the impressive economic growth achieved in Bangladesh over the last 10 years. Our Government has welcomed the announcement of the graduation of your economy from an LDC to a Developing country by 2021 or 2024, we salute this great achievement," said the French Ambassador.
She said they will keep on supporting Bangladesh economic development through their ODA (official development assistance) and technical assistance, as well as through private sector companies.
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