President Asif Ali Zardari appreciated France's acknowledgement of Pakistan's constructive mediation role in the US-Iran conflict and welcomed further cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, and appreciated the contribution of French companies and the French Agency for Development in the uplift projects in Pakistan. Ambassador of France Nicolas Galey paid a farewell call on Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday. The President appreciated his contribution towards strengthening Pakistan-France relations during his tenure and expressed the hope that bilateral ties would continue to expand in all areas of mutual interest.
Zardari said Pakistan greatly values its longstanding friendship with France and appreciated Ambassador Galey's constructive role in moving bilateral relations forward following a difficult phase. He stressed the importance of regular high-level exchanges, stronger economic cooperation and greater interaction between the business communities of the two countries. He also conveyed sympathies to the government and people of France over the devastating wildfires in the country, saying Pakistan stands in solidarity with France.
The President congratulated the French ambassador on the completion of his assignment and conveyed his best wishes for his future endeavours. Ambassador Galey expressed appreciation for the support extended to him during his tenure in Pakistan. He said he valued the opportunity to contribute to strengthening relations between Pakistan and France.
He reiterated that France recognises the State of Palestine and supports just movements around the world aimed at upholding human rights. Ambassador Galey appreciated Pakistan's role in the recent US-Iran conflict, saying that Pakistan had played an important role. He praised the manner in which Pakistan handled the situation, saying, "Whatever Pakistan did was done with mastery.
You did great." Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on Chief of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Dr Muhammad Ali, recognising his contribution to the promotion of relations between the two navies. A special investiture ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, which was attended among others by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, members of parliament and the diplomatic community. Admiral Dr Muhammad Ali also called on Zardari, who congratulated him on the conferment of the prestigious award.
Talking to him, the President said Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy enduring and fraternal relations and stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation between the two navies. "There is immense potential in the blue economy and mutual development of the maritime sector which needs to be harnessed," he said appreciating the regular participation of the Indonesian Navy in exercises organised by the Pakistan Navy. Admiral Dr Muhammad Ali was accompanied by Ambassador of Indonesia Lt Gen (retd) Chandra W Sukotjo.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla were also present during the meeting.