France hailed for commitment to environmental issues

Moses was speaking at a reception held to celebrate the French national day known as Bastille Day on July 14 and hosted by France Ambassador to TT Héidi Picquart.

On the perpetration of a number of terrorist attacks carried out on French soil in recent times, Moses said the this country’s government has joined with the international community in condemning them. The attacks, he said, violates the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed in a democratic society.

France’s resilience in combating these incidents, he said, has shown that the inherent “joie de vivre” (joy of living) embodied in the French spirit cannot be dimmed.

Noting the exemplary bilateral relations that exist between TT and France since they established diplomatic relations in 1962, he said the two countries have collaborated in a range of sectors including health, water management, aviation, education, construction, culture and crime and security.

It was his hope, he said, that TT and France continue to mutually benefit from the sharing of their rich cultures, and to move towards deeper collaboration in the future.

In his address, Picquart spoke about the universal ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity associated with the French Revolution of 1789.

The challenges of climate change and transnational crime, he said, were critical issues affecting TT, France and the world at large.

Noting the close cultural ties between TT and France, he referred to local cultural icon Calypso Rose, “who experienced great success in France where she was awarded a Victoire de la Musique in February this year.”