France backs king Hamad’s reform process

France has voiced support for the march of reform led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, firmly backing his call for national dialogue, being the best way to overcome obstacles and political differences. French Ambassador to Bahrain Christian Testot reiterated his country’s stance, strongly condemning violence. In a statement today, he affirmed that terror would never be a viable political alternative, describing HM the King’s call for national dialogue last February as an important step forward in the history of Bahrain. He expressed the hope that the five political associations would go back to the table of dialogue, stressing the necessity for Bahrainis to reach the consensus that ensures co-existence between all parties regardless of their opinions – a goal which would be achieved through national dialogue only. “Violence and counter –violence would only lead to a vicious circle”, Mr. Testot said, calling on all parties to find a way to usher in the consensus which would please all sides – without being detrimental to any party. The French ambassador urged all parties to table positive steps which would serve the interest of the country and push national dialogue forward. He commended political relations bonding France and Bahrain, stressing mutual resolve to push bilateral ties to the highest level. He said that the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to France in July 2012 was a major catalyst. “In the aftermath of that crucial visit, the leaders of the two countries decided to bolster relations and expand cooperation, establishing the French-Bahrain Joint Commission”, he said. He revealed that an agreement covering all aspects of political, economic and educational would be signed soon in Bahrain. He described Bahrain as a friend to France and affirmed his country’s resolve to bolster its presence in Bahrain, citing concordant stances between the two sides regarding global political issues, including Mali, Syria and the regional security. “France was the first foreign investor in Bahrain in the period between 2000 and 2010 in the sectors of energy, infrastructure and banking”, he said, pointing out the now-expanding French investments. He cited in particular the banking sector as with PNB Paribas establishing its regional headquarters in the Kingdom of Bahrain. French investments also expanded further in the hospitality sector to include The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa sea & spa, Novetel and Mercure Grand Hotel, which are owned by French Accor Group, the world’s leading hotel manager. French investors have also joined hands with Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), ranked as one of the largest aluminum smelters in the world, to set up an aluminum oxide joint industrial venture. The ecological sector was also the focus of a project to recycle waste into energy –but the planned scheme has yet to ensure final approval from official environmental authorities. Mr. Testot outlined cultural, educational and academic cooperation, noting the strong presence of the French Embassy and L’ Alliance Française in the events held by the Ministry of culture. “The French embassy took part in the first festival for short movies “Naqsh” and supports Bahraini artists via the Muharraq-based Bahrain Cultural Centre “Dar Jamsheer”, he said stressing other aspects of cultural cooperation which include archaeology, heritage protection and tourism. He pointed out the role of the embassy in supporting Bahraini authorities and the private sector to adopt the French language as the second foreign language, training teachers at the Isa Town-based Alliance Française and granting scholarships for brilliant students to study in France. The Arab – French Institute has also launched a master’s degree in business management, in cooperation with the Gulf University and Paris-based Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Économiques et Commerciales (ESSEC) . A key agreement was also signed with the Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University (Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UVSQ) to promote medical cooperation, French language and electronic sciences. Mr. Testot described the French presence in the Kingdom of Bahrain as being important, including 1000 residents. He pointed out that the French School accommodates 450 French and Bahraini students in addition to other nationalities. The Isa Town-based Alliance Française also plays a key role in promoting cooperation and bolstering the French presence in the Kingdom of Bahrain.