It gives me great pleasure that DAILY BUSINESS RECORDER is publishing a special supplement to mark the National Day of France. July 14 is a date of great historic significance in the annals of mankind.
The storming of the dreaded Bastille prison on this momentous day heralded a new dawn and ushered in the era of "Liberty, equality, fraternity".
It is on the basis of this slogan that France has always striven to develop its relations with other sovereign nations. We are a peace loving country, that works hard to help promoting a better world, and intends to play a singular role in the world affairs.
France, in particular, is a close friend of the Arab and Muslim world. The friendly relations with Pakistan a dynamic and vibrant country of 150 million people, have remarkably evolved since 1947.
France has a history of exemplary co-operation with Pakistan in the economic, commercial and cultural spheres.
It has also played a very vital role in strengthening Pakistan's defence capability.
The AGOSTA submarine project which gives a competitive edge to Pakistan in the region is an eloquent testimony to this fact.
During my tenure in Karachi, it will be my utmost priority to project Pakistan in a very positive fashion which it fully merits.
Pakistani media can play an important role in bridging the gap between perception and reality and facilitate my mission.
Special reports and supplements highlighting the economic potential and identifying new areas of co-operation are very useful and effective tools to attract more investment and to enhance the level of co-operation between the two countries. I acknowledge the efforts and contribution of Daily Business Recorder in this regard and congratulate its team for publishing this informative supplement.