An afternoon of French history, culture and cuisine marked the 237th anniversary of the French Revolution this week.
Hosted by the ambassador of France to Namibia, Cécile Vigneau, French National Day (Bastille Day) was celebrated with invited guests at the residence of the French ambassador in Windhoek.
“The storming of the Bastille prison by the people of Paris on 14 July 1789 became the symbol of the French revolution and of the struggle against absolute power and authoritarianism,” Vigneau said at the event.
“On this day, I wish to reaffirm our commitment to the motto of the French Republic – liberty, equality, fraternity – to a France that is one and indivisible, and to democratic principals.”
Vigneau recognised minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi as the guest of honour and highlighted the friendship and esteem France holds for Namibia.
SWAPO IN PARIS
“France is one of the few European countries, in fact the first, to extend diplomatic recognition to Swapo. Hence, there was a Swapo office in Paris up to the time of independence – a gesture we continue to value,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
“Namibia and France enjoy a long-standing friendship founded on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for a more prosperous and sustainable future,” she said.
“While our relationship is rooted in history, it is increasingly driven by our shared ambition to expand economic cooperation, innovation and sustainable development.”
Ashipala-Musavyi also congratulated France for successfully co-hosting the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya last year.
“We value France as a strategic partner in sectors such as renewable energy, critical minerals, oil and gas, green industrialisation, infrastructure and digital innovation,” she said.
“We look forward to strengthening a partnership that creates jobs, promotes technology transfer, encourages investment and delivers lasting benefits for our people. We deeply appreciate France’s continued support and collaboration, including through the French Development Agency and other bilateral and multilateral frameworks.”
While France is one of the leading foreign investors in Namibia, Vigneau said she is always proud to highlight that culture, innovation and the arts play an equally important role in the countries’ bilateral partnership.
“I would particularly like to acknowledge the entire team of the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre, FNCC as it is known here, as well as the members of its board. A special mention goes to Alison, who is also a French teacher at FNCC and who performed the national anthems for us,” said Vigneau.
FNCC CELEBRATION
The FNCC will be celebrating its 35th anniversary with a special programme on 30 and 31 July.
Vigneau also commended the centre’s development of French language skills as well as its collaboration on ‘Movement’.
The ongoing contemporary dance festival features the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation dance troupe, as well as dancers from South Africa, Reunion Island and Botswana.
“Bilateral cooperation is about people, hence the critical importance of the strong people-to-people ties between our two countries,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
“The Franco Namibian Cultural Centre continues to play a vital role in strengthening our cultural exchange, language, education and mutual understanding. Again, reminding us that lasting partnerships are built not only through diplomacy, but also through connections between people,” she said.
Vigneau announced that nearly 24 000 French tourists visited Namibia last year “to discover its wonders” – an influx facilitated by a number of French professionals working in Namibia’s tourism sector.
The remaining French National Day programme was dedicated to what Vigenau termed “the French art de vivre” (art of living).
Invited guests were treated to a performance by French rock and chanson trio The La Belle et la Bête. The crowd-rousing concert was paired with a selection of wine from Bordeaux, assorted French desserts, freshly made crêpes, champagne and charcuterie.
“At a time of global uncertainty, Namibia and France remain firmly committed to effective multilateralism, international cooperation and constructive dialogue,” said Ashipala-Musavyi, concluding her address.
“As we celebrate Bastille Day, we join you in celebrating not only your remarkable history, but also the promising future that lies ahead for our two countries.”
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
