French President Emmanuel Macron commits to stand with Bangladesh

Paris [France]: French President Emmanuel Macron has committed to stand by Bangladesh. Macron recalled France’s support for Bangladesh in the past, including the Liberation War of Bangladesh, Bangladesh-based The Daily Star reported.

He further said, “France will be again on your side.” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called Macron a “breath of fresh air in international politics,” according to The Daily Star report.

Sheikh Hasina said, “Your push for strategic autonomy largely aligns with our own foreign policy dictum Friendship to all, malice towards none given to us by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”

The two leaders made the address at a banquet hosted by Sheikh Hasina in honour of Emmanuel Macron in Dhaka on Sunday. Emmanuel Macron and Sheikh Hasina enjoyed a cultural show by performers featured by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts and dances by Chakma, Marma and Tripura communities.

Both leaders recalled the contribution of French intellectual Andre Malraux during the Liberation War in 1971. French President Macron said, “This history binds us together despite adversaries.”

He hailed Bangladesh’s “tremendous success” over the years on the basis of democratic principles and the rule of law at the core of the country’s identity. Macron stated that Bangladesh is progressively gaining its place on the world stage with science, trade and culture.

“You can count our full support in order to convince the countries mainly responsible for the emission of greenhouse gases. But also to help you, France will be again on your side,” French President Emmanuel Macron said as per The Daily Star report.

Sheikh Hasina said it was her great pleasure and honour to host Macron. She recalled the warm hospitality she received during her visit to France in November 2021.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina said, “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib’s call for freedom echoed with global intellectuals like Andre Marlaux who mobilised a number of young people to fight for our cause.”

“France holds a special place in our hearts and imagination,” she added.

She expressed confidence that the ties between the two nations can move to strategic engagements as Bangladesh and France are opening up new areas of cooperation in strategic assets and advanced technologies.

“Our partnership can be a meaningful force to address the multiple crises of wars, climate change and cost-of-living that our world is facing,” Sheikh Hasina said.

She further said, “Both of our nations are extremely proud of our cuisines, culture and linguistic heritage. It is time to promote further interface and fusion between our two cultures to bring our two peoples closer to each other.” Macron visited Dhanmondi Lake and interacted with the popular folk band Joler Gaan.

On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Bangladesh for a bilateral visit. He received a warm welcome upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh-based Dhaka Tribune reported.

It is the first time a French President has visited Bangladesh since 1990 when French President Francois Mitterrand’s Dhaka visit in 1990.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina personally greeted Macron at the airport. A 19-gun salute was accorded to Macron after his warm reception at the VVIP terminal.

Macron was accorded a guard of honour and the national anthems of Bangladesh and France were played during this ceremony, Dhaka Tribune report.

Subsequently, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina introduced her cabinet and other dignitaries to the French President. Meanwhile, Macron introduced his delegation to the Bangladesh PM.