France terms Pakistan "best friend" in Asia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is the best friend of France in the whole of Asian continent and we are looking forward to further strengthen the existing bilateral ties, French Ambassador in Islamabad Daniel Jouanneau said.

Addressing the annual dinner of Pak-France Alumnai Network (PAFAN) here on Wednesday, he said both the friendly countries are seeking to further their relations in different spheres with special emphasis on enhancing higher level research based study.

The French ambassador said the number of scholarships indifferent institutions of higher learning in France has been increased to around 100 per year with hefty allocations. He said around 500 scholars have completed their studies inFrance and are contributing in various significant sectors of life after returning to Pakistan.

The ambassador offered vigorous steps for cultural exchanges between both the countries and highlighted a number of measures already taken in the same direction.

Daniel Jouanneau said a recently held exhibition of Gandhara Culture in France attracted a lot of visitors. The exhibition was held at one of the well known museums of Europe, he added.

He urged the Alumni that they should play their due role in projecting the positive image of Pakistan in France in addition to terming Pakistani students as ambassadors in France.

He appreciated the role of Higher Education Commission of Pakistan saying that HEC had been playing a very significant role in selecting the appropriate students for higher studies in France.

Chairman HEC Javed R Leghari, in his presidential address thanked the people and the government of France for their generous help to carry forward the scholarship programme.

Earlier, President PAFAN Dr Khalid Saleem gave aims and objectives of his newly formed body and said it will go a long way in strengthening bonds between the people of both countries.