French President Macron arrives today
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Dhaka is set to roll out the red carpet for French President Emmanuel Macron, who is scheduled to touch down in the capital today (Sunday), on a highly anticipated two-day visit.
This visit, marked by a shared commitment to deepening diplomatic relations and exploring economic cooperation, promises to bolster the strong ties between the two nations.
President Emmanuel Macron will be greeted with a warm welcome in the evening at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, government officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests will assemble to receive him.
Before that, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return home at 3:30 pm, concluding her G20 visit in India. Subsequently, she will be at the airport at 7:30 pm to welcome French President Macron.
The primary focus of this visit is to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, climate change, indo-pacific strategy and technology transfer and so on.
Bangladesh and France have a history of collaboration on issues of global importance, and President Macron’s visit is set to reaffirm their commitment to working together on shared challenges.
During his stay in Dhaka, President Macron is scheduled to engage in high-level talks with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other government officials on Monday.
These discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including trade and economic partnerships and purchase of the second Bangabandhu Satellite and at least 10 airbuses from France.
The two leaders are expected to witness signing of a couple of bilateral instruments and hold a joint press briefing.
After landing at the airport on Sunday, Macron is scheduled to proceed to the Hotel InterContinental, and from there, he will pay a visit to Dhanmondi Lake, where he will meet with the Joler Gaan band and savour their musical performance, sources said.
On the morning of September 11, President Macron is set to pay his respects to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by laying wreaths at his portrait.
He will then make a visit to the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum located in Dhanmondi.
Regarding Macron’s visit, French Embassy Dhaka said, “In Bangladesh, the President of the French Republic will continue to implement France’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, after having welcomed Prime Minister Modi in Paris this summer, and visited Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Sri Lanka.
It will also be an opportunity to deepen our bilateral relationship with a country that is undergoing rapid economic development, with France’s support, and is seeking to diversify its partnerships.”
“Bangladesh and France also have a great commonality of views when it comes to global challenges, particularly with regard to the Paris Agenda for People and the Planet, which Bangladesh actively supports.
Bangladesh being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate disruption, President Macron will reiterate France’s determination to stand by its side on the humanitarian front, particularly given the regular flooding the country faces.
Bangladesh is also a major contributor to international solidarity efforts, be they through its contingents in peacekeeping operations or in hosting Rohingya refugees” it added.
The diplomatic visit is being closely watched by experts and the public alike, as it holds the potential to deepen the friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and France in various fields.
President Macron’s arrival in Dhaka underscores the importance of nurturing international relationships and working together to address global issues.
As the countdown begins to this momentous event, Dhaka is abuzz with anticipation, ready to extend a warm welcome to French President and embark on a new chapter of diplomatic collaboration with France.
To mark the arrival of the French President, the roads stretching from the Airport to the InterContinental Hotel, along with its surrounding areas, have been adorned with a vibrant display of flags representing both Bangladesh and France.
Striking portraits of Bangladesh’s President Md Sahabuddin, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Emmanuel Macron grace the streets, adding a touch of grandeur to the occasion.
Banners bearing the messages “Long live the French President” and “Welcome to Bangladesh” further enhance the festive atmosphere.
Emmanuel Macron is the first President to visit Bangladesh since former French President Mitterrand visited Bangladesh on 22 to 24 February, 1990.
Mentionable that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited France in November 2021 at the invitation of the French President Macron.
The departure of the French President from Dhaka is slated for 2 pm on Monday, with Foreign Minister Dr. Momen set to bid him farewell at the airport.
