KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can count on France to continue enjoying regional peace, harmony and stability.
Giving the assurance, French ambassador Roland Galharague said his country was grateful to Malaysia for its long-standing friendship, marking their 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
"You can count on us to partner with you further to keep this region free, inclusive and open - away from rivalries and confrontation.
"France is one of the witnesses to the formation of this beautiful country (Malaysia) and as an Indo-Pacific citizen, France will continue to work with Malaysia.
"We have gone through many challenges together, our troops have fought together for peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Lebanon (under the United Nations peace-keeping force).
"We have also built close economic cooperation and an impressive network of cultural, educational and scientific ties," Galharague said to commemorate France's National Day (also known as Bastille Day) at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Bukit Bintang.
The guest-of-honour was Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukry.
Galharague said France was very fortunate to be able to rely on Malaysia in its endeavor to promote global peace and stability.
He also condemned Russia-Ukraine war against Ukraine as a violation of all UN Charter principles.
"The aggression threatens to usher all of our countries in a dark age - an age in which might is right in a period of closed minds, closed borders and denied possibilities.
"France, together with the European Union is determined to prevent this.
"We stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
"We are convinced that the world needs cooperation and not confrontation, multilateral action nor fragmentation.
"The challenges facing mankind - climate change, health and unequal development - demand that we act as one," Galharague said.
On another note, Galharague said that the past two years had tested mankind during the global Covid-19 pandemic.
"But it is the values that we celebrate today, the taste for freedom and strength of unity symbolised by (France's National Day) July 14, 1789, that have enabled us together to overcome the pandemic and to renew the institutions of our democracy.
"These are the values that inspired the successes of the French Presidency of the European Union, and they still inspire our response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
"It is right to celebrate them today as it is right to celebrate the role of all of you French citizens from Malaysia who fly the colours of our country.
"You are the driving force behind our relationship with Malaysia," Galharague said.
PIX: French ambassador Roland Galharague with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukry at France's National Day at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Bukit Bintang.
