ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (INP): President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan desires to further strengthen its partnership with France in diverse areas to the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.

He was talking to Mr. Philippe Thiebaud, Ambassador of France in Pakistan, who paid a farewell call on the President at Aiwan-i-Sadr on Friday.

Highlighting the existence of long term bilateral ties between the two countries, the President said that Pakistan accorded great importance to its bilateral relations with France which were based on mutual trust and goodwill.

Mamnoon Hussain appreciated France’s decades’ long partnership with Pakistan in defence, economic, trade and commercial relations expressing hope that Annual Bilateral Consultations will be held with France before the end of this year. The President expressed confidence that the existing bilateral trade volume of US$ 1.3 billion between the two countries has the vast potential to increase in future adding that presently more than 30 French companies were benefitting from Pakistan’s investor friendly climate. He also appreciated the support of France to Pakistan at various international forums.

The President stated that the presence of large Pakistani Diaspora of over 50,000 people in France acted as a bridge for furthering people to people contact between the two countries. He appreciated the ongoing cooperation with France in the field of education, training and research. Currently 483 Pakistani PhD scholars are pursuing their degree in France.

The President applauded the diplomatic services of Mr. Philippe Thiebaud for promoting bilateral relations during his stay as Ambassador in Pakistan. He wished the outgoing ambassador good health, happiness and success in his future life and career.

Mr. Philippe Thiebaud thanked the President for the support he was extended by the Government of Pakistan during his tenure in Pakistan.

INP