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 Bahraini filmmakers. Our cultural calendar includes participation in major festivals like Spring of Culture and the Bahrain International Music Festival. A highlight to mark is the upcoming jazz fusion concert by renowned French musician Renaud Garcia-Fons on October 8.

In terms of economic cooperation, what sectors show the greatest promise for further collaboration between France and Bahrain?

Our economic partnership is dynamic and expanding. In 2024, bilateral trade reached €422 million – a clear sign of mutual trust and potential.

One key area is energy. The agreement between TotalEnergies and Bapco Energies is a strong example of how French expertise is contributing to Bahrain’s Vision 2030. We also see strong prospects in digital innovation, financial services, tourism and sustainable development.

The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bahrain plays a vital role in linking companies, encouraging investment and providing support services. Education is another priority. Since 2011, ESSEC Business School and Arabian Gulf University have jointly offered an MBA programme. In 2025, the HEC ‘Accelerating Women’s Leadership’ programme, supported by Tamkeen, trained 90 Bahraini women. We aim to continue deepening these educational partnerships.

France has a significant presence in the Gulf through business, defence and diplomacy. How would you describe its role in fostering regional cooperation?

France considers the Gulf countries strategic partners for regional stability, multilateralism and shared security. Our approach is based on dialogue and responsibility. Defence and security cooperation with Bahrain is strong – particularly in maritime security. As members of the Combined Maritime Forces headquartered in Bahrain, we collaborate closely on shared objectives.

France is also engaged diplomatically in efforts to promote peace in the region. President Macron has been active in urging the cessation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, advocating a return to diplomatic negotiations on ballistic and nuclear issues. We are deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza and have called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access. France welcomes the Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction and continues to support a two-state solution – the only sustainable path to peace.

We also congratulate Bahrain on its election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. This presents further opportunities for cooperation on multilateral issues and global challenges. France’s regular participation in the Manama Dialogue reflects our commitment to regional discourse.

Since your appointment to Bahrain, what priorities have guided your diplomatic mission?

Since my arrival, I have prioritised strengthening economic, educational and cultural ties. Engaging Bahrain’s youth is particularly important. The Kingdom’s young people are talented and ambitious, and we aim to enhance academic, linguistic and professional connections with France.

The French language is key to this mission. Since 2009, it has been taught in Bahraini secondary schools. We plan to expand this, supported by the Lycée Français MLF and the Alliance Française.

Environmental cooperation is another area of focus. France is eager to assist Bahrain’s ecological transition through knowledge exchange and industrial partnerships, particularly in renewables and sustainability. We’ve also initiated collaborations in areas such as sports – following the signing of an MoU last December – and arbitration, which continues to develop.

How has your fluency in Arabic influenced your work across the Gulf?

Arabic reflects my long-standing interest in the Arab world. While my level is modest, speaking Arabic enables me to better understand local cultures and connect more directly with people. It fosters a more personal form of diplomacy and allows me to appreciate nuances in communication. Learning Bahraini-specific expressions has also helped me feel more integrated in daily interactions.

What personal reflections would you share about your time in Bahrain? Are there aspects of Bahraini hospitality or culture that stand out to you and the French community?

Living in Bahrain has been a rewarding personal and professional experience. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth and hospitality of the people.

In my limited free time, I enjoy exploring the Kingdom’s heritage – archaeological sites, traditional souqs and the historical quarters of Muharraq. I especially enjoyed Muharraq Nights on the Pearling Path last December.

And of course, I’ve developed a real appreciation for the local cuisine. Bahraini tikka has quickly become a favourite of mine – a small but genuine pleasure of everyday life here.

Tags #Bahrain France business partnership #Bahrain diplomatic news #Bahrain cultural diplomacy #Bahrain French Embassy #France Bahrain ambassador #France Bahrain trade #Bastille Day Bahrain #France Bahrain relations #interviews #btm july 2025