bahrainthismonth.com | JULY 2025 INTERVIEW 26 Franco-Bahraini Synergy As France prepares to mark Bastille Day on July 14, His Excellency Eric Giraud-Telme, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Bahrain, reflects on key diplomatic milestones, cultural cooperation and the shared ambitions linking France and Bahrain. Your Excellency, Bastille Day is a momentous occasion in the French calendar. Could you share the significance of this day and any local collaborations planned to mark it in Bahrain? Bastille Day, celebrated every July 14, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 – a symbolic act that marked a turning point in French history and became a defining moment of the French Revolution. It represents our aspiration for freedom and continues to embody the values of liberty, equality and fraternity that shape the French Republic. Here in Bahrain, we celebrate Bastille Day with a reception that brings together members of the French community and our Bahraini partners. It is a festive yet meaningful occasion that honours the strength of our bilateral ties. This year’s celebration is themed France in the Future, with a focus on artificial intelligence – one of our key strategic priorities. We are also proud to partner with local institutions. The Bahrain Police Band will perform the French national anthem, and the evening’s music will be curated by Session, a DJ collective of talented Bahraini artists. These collaborations reflect our commitment to cultural exchange and community engagement. France and Bahrain share a long-standing friendship. What recent milestones highlight the strength of this relationship? A major milestone was the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Paris this January, where he met President Macron at the Élysée Palace. This high-level engagement reaffirmed the strength of our political dialogue and opened new avenues of cooperation in strategic sectors such as energy, infrastructure and transportation. On the economic front, we welcomed delegations from MEDEF International and BPI France – both key players in supporting the global expansion of French businesses. Their interest underscores the appeal of the Bahraini market. Key sectors identified for collaboration include financial services, tourism, digital innovation and AI. How does the French Embassy promote cultural diplomacy in Bahrain, and what initiatives can we look forward to? Cultural diplomacy is central to our mission. We support cooperation in cinema, fashion, AI and sustainable development through artist residencies, training programmes and scholarships. France will lead an AI workshop during Youth City 2030 and host Fashion Days this autumn – a continuation of the popular Paris to Manama Fashion Week – which will feature masterclasses and seminars with French experts. We are also launching the second edition of the 48-Hour Film Challenge to nurture emerging
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