France lauds Bahraini women's contribution to development

Manama, July 15 (BNA):French Ambassador to Bahrain Cécile Longé has highlighted the important role of Bahraini women in society. “We all know the importance attached by HM King Hamad and HRH Princess Sabeeka, as the President of the Supreme Council for Women, to women empowerment,” she said in a speech at a reception she hosted to mark her country’s National Day on July 1. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, officials, diplomats, businessmen and various personalities. “This is an essential criterion – the way a given society endeavours to value the whole of its Human Capital, thus contributing to the development of all, political, economic, social sectors. Bahrain has always actively collaborated in / and enshrined in law/ women emancipation and integration in economic process”. The ambassador also emphasized the cultural ties between Bahrain and France. “As is often the case, far before the political or diplomatic ties, it is culture that brought our people to one another. Our cultural relationship dating back to more than one century, at a time when the French designer and jeweller Jacques Cartier came to Bahrain in search for high quality pearls; later on, a unique cooperation in archeology enabled to uncover the cultural treasuries of the successive historical periods of the kingdom, in particular that of Qalat al Bahrain, listed in World heritage. We shall celebrate in September the 40th anniversary of this uninterrupted cooperation. French art and performance have always had their place in the prestigious cultural festivals held in Bahrain, and we believe this will be the case in the future, thanks to an excellent cooperation with the BACA”, she said. "A deliberate choice of more than 1200 fellow citizens, a number that remains stable over the years, dwelling in Bahrain for significant duration, over 5 years most often… Some of them have not packed their suitcase after 30 years and established their root here. Why? Mainly for reasons which repeatedly place BHR on top rank in the palmares of privileged location for expatriation, according to a survey run each year within the French from abroad: among others, quality of education and health service making daily family life comfortable, but also and mainly, the truly hospitable character of the Bahraini people, their open-mindedness also, complete freedom of faith, and finally, as I have been able to observe on many occasions, their true interest for French language and culture, making the French expatriate feel at ease and welcome."