France expects reciprocity to strengthen Bangladesh ties

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet today said France expects a level playing field and genuine reciprocity from Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral relations, expressing hope that Dhaka will demonstrate its commitment to expanding the partnership through concrete actions.

"As reliable partners, we naturally expect to benefit from a level playing field in order to continue and develop our relationship based on genuine reciprocity. We expect Bangladesh to also demonstrate its interest in partnering in a concrete way," the ambassador said while addressing a Bastille Day reception hosted by the French Embassy in Dhaka.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Iqbal Hassan Mahmood attended the reception as the chief guest. Diplomats, senior government officials, business leaders, development partners and members of civil society were also present.

The ambassador said France remains committed to revitalising and expanding its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh across trade, investment, culture, climate action, innovation and strategic cooperation.

Highlighting the longstanding economic relationship between Bangladesh and Europe, Séré-Charlet said France and the European Union have supported Bangladesh's economic growth for the past 25 years through preferential trade arrangements that helped the country's ready-made garment industry achieve remarkable success.

He said France and the European Union are now looking forward to the Bangladesh government's initiatives to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

Referring to Bangladesh's recent political developments, the ambassador said the country had undergone an extraordinary democratic transition over the past several months.

Recalling his arrival in Bangladesh during the tenure of the interim government, he said political discussions at the time had centred on the national election and the July Charter.

Welcoming Bangladesh's return to democratic governance, Séré-Charlet said the European Union had supported the electoral process by deploying an election observation mission comprising more than 200 observers.

"I must confess that I am very impressed, and so are we in Paris, by the strong commitment of the Bangladeshi people to democracy. The elections were held in a very remarkable way, with a high level of participation and results that were not disputed," he said.

"We are very pleased because we needed a Bangladesh back within the community of democracies," he added.

The ambassador also congratulated Bangladesh on the election of Dr. Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly and Bangladesh Ambassador to France Khondker Talha on his election as President of the UNESCO Executive Board.

Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations, Séré-Charlet said Bangladesh and France could elevate their partnership further through stronger political dialogue, expanded economic cooperation and closer people-to-people exchanges.

He said French companies are expanding their presence in Bangladesh in sectors including fashion, aerospace, civil aviation, water management and infrastructure, while France is keen to increase its commercial engagement further.

Climate change remains another key pillar of bilateral cooperation, he said, noting that more than 80 percent of the French Development Agency's (AFD) annual projects in Bangladesh focus on climate mitigation, resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Since beginning operations in Bangladesh in 2012, AFD has provided nearly two billion euros in financing, particularly for climate resilience, poverty reduction and women's empowerment, he added.

The ambassador said France recognises Bangladesh's geographical, economic and human potential and is ready to build a long-term partnership with the country, describing it as a rapidly growing economy with a skilled workforce and the potential to become a pillar of regional stability.

He noted that France also has a strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific, where more than 1.5 million French citizens live, making deeper engagement with Bangladesh a natural priority.

Séré-Charlet recalled that France was among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971, saying the relationship transcends governments and is rooted in the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

He also paid tribute to the late André Malraux, describing the renowned French writer and resistance hero as a steadfast friend of Bangladesh who championed its cause even before independence.

On international affairs, the ambassador reaffirmed France's commitment to peace, multilateralism and international law, highlighting French diplomatic initiatives on the Strait of Hormuz, recognition of the State of Palestine and continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

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