The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann has said Nigeria was France’s first trading partner and remains so in sub-Saharan Africa.
Blatmann stated this during her country’s national day celebration at the embassy’s residence in Abuja, adding that Nigeria’s trading alone accounts for 75 per cent of French investments in West Africa.
The envoy appreciated the guests and partners of the embassy who honoured her invitation to the national day celebration on an evening.
“It is also a celebration for all those who recognise themselves in the universal message carried by the revolution and in our motto – liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality and fraternity).
“This enthusiasm is also reflected in the vitality of our economic and trade relationship,” the envoy said.
According to her, over 10,000 Nigerians are employed in about 100 French companies in Nigeria.
“The recent creation of the French TECH Community in Lagos will welcome start-ups and entrepreneurs from our two countries.
“Also, the setting up of a French Desk within Access Bank, with the recent economic measures taken by President Bola Tinubu, we hope to see an influx of new French investors,” Ms Blatmann said.
She added, “The opening of the first branch of Access Bank in Paris also testifies to the attractiveness of France, the first destination for foreign investment in Europe, for several years.”
Ms Blatmann stated that the values always guided France’s action when promoting international solidarity, peace, democracy and human rights or when it depended on multilateralism.
The ambassador added that France was ready to work with Nigeria’s new administration after hosting Mr Tinubu on his first official visit abroad since his inauguration.
Bastille Day in France is celebrated annually on July 14 with military parades and fireworks, and the event marks the fall of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
This significant day marks the historical event of July 14, 1789, when French citizens joined forces and stormed the Bastille prison fortress, signalling the onset of the French Revolution.
(NAN)
