Bastille Day greetings: Pakistan seeks to boost trade, defence ties with France, says Khawaja Asif

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan is seeking to enhance trade and defence ties with France, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday.

His remarks were part of the felicitation message to the people of France on their national day.

The July 14 holiday marks the beginning of the French Revolution with the Storming of the Bastille, the notorious prison in Paris, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people.

Celebrations are held throughout France. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on the morning of July 14, on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Read: Bastille Day: Sombre mood on Swiss letter shrouds festive reception

Pakistani people extend happiest congratulations to French Nation on this occasion. Pakistan has strong bilateral relations with France, said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif while extending greetings.

One of the most important factors of ties between both countries is trade and defence cooperation which is expanding with each passing day. "I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of France," he said.

Read: United we stand, divided we fall: Speakers hope India, Pakistan can reconcile like France and Germany 

Director General of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said Pakistan attached great importance to its defence ties with France and sees it as a reliable and dependable friend. Enhanced defence cooperation with France has become vital to counter the threat of extremism and terrorism and for lasting world peace. “We wish the French people a very happy national day,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2015.