Ambassador Nicolas Galey hosts mega reception to mark 236th Bastille Day

Celina Ali

ISLAMABAD: The French Residence in Islamabad turned into a glowing hub of diplomacy on Friday evening, culture, and camaraderie as Ambassador Nicolas Galey hosted a magnificent reception to mark the 236th anniversary of Bastille Day, the defining moment that sparked the French Revolution and etched the values of liberté, égalité, fraternité into history.

The celebration brought together an illustrious gathering of Pakistani ministers, foreign diplomats, civil society figures, academics, and artists, creating a vibrant reflection of the enduring friendship between France and Pakistan. More than a ceremonial occasion, the evening was a celebration of shared principles, cultural kinship, and an evolving partnership grounded in mutual respect.

In his moving address, Ambassador Galey paid tribute to the revolutionary spirit that shaped modern France and called for renewed global commitment to the ideals of liberty and equality, especially in these times of uncertainty and upheaval.

“The powerful, enduring, and universal message of the French Revolution must be reaffirmed more than ever,” he said, drawing a parallel between historical struggles for freedom and present-day efforts to uphold human rights and dignity.

The ambassador turned his admiration toward Pakistan, praising the dynamism and potential of its people. From engineers and entrepreneurs to farmers and the youth, he said, Pakistanis are shaping their country’s future with energy and resolve. A special tribute was reserved for Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem and Paralympic bronze winner Haider Ali, whose victories at the Paris Games drew heartfelt applause.

“Both are great examples and an inspiration for your country,” he said, saluting their determination as a mirror of Pakistan’s promise.

Ambassador Galey also extended warm appreciation to the Government of Pakistan and its people for their hospitality and enduring friendship. Expressing gratitude for those behind the success of the evening, he acknowledged:

          •        Omar Satti, for his expert coordination,

          •        Nicolas Verdun and Frédéric Boucault, for their leadership,

          •        The French Embassy team in Islamabad,

          •        Consul General Alexis Chahtahtinsky (Karachi) and Honorary Consul Habib Anwar (Lahore), for their regional engagement, and

          •        Anne-Sophie Français, French Advisor for Central Asia.

He offered a heartfelt personal tribute to his wife, Camélia, for her constant support and contribution to their shared diplomatic mission.

The night radiated elegance, with the Mövenpick Hotel—part of the French ACCOR Group—serving an exquisite buffet that complemented the ambiance of cultural richness and warm fellowship.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, graced the occasion as chief guest and shared warm words of appreciation for France’s partnership with Pakistan.

“France is not only a vital economic partner but also a nation that shares our values of inclusivity and progress,” he remarked. “We deeply value France’s investments in Pakistan’s development sectors and look forward to expanding cooperation in trade, energy, education, and climate resilience.”

He emphasized the indispensable role of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations, calling the evening “a testament to the spirit of unity between the French and Pakistani peoples.”

“Tonight’s celebration is not just about France — it’s about the enduring friendship between our peoples,” he said.

As the evening drew to a close with laughter, clinking glasses, and conversations in many languages, the spirit of Bastille Day reverberated not only as a French commemoration but as a shared celebration of human dignity, solidarity, and international friendship.

The Franco-Pakistani relationship, nourished by trust and common ideals, stood proud under the Islamabad stars — promising a future of deeper ties and shared progress.