Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies
Its challenges and Foreign Policy" on 13 April 2017
The Bangladesh Institute of
International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Country Lecture
titled "France: Its Challenges and Foreign Policy" on 13
April 2017 at the BIISS Auditorium.
The lecture was delivered by H.
E. Mrs Sophie Aubert, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh, as the Guest
Speaker. The programme was inaugurated and chaired by Major General A K
M Abdur Rahman, ndc, psc, Director General of BIISS. The event was attended
by senior military officials, policymakers, academics, researchers, members of
the diplomatic corps, government officials, representatives of law enforcement
agencies, development partner organisations, think tanks, media professionals,
and students, providing a distinguished platform for dialogue on France's
domestic and foreign policy priorities.
In her lecture, Ambassador
Sophie Aubert discussed the major political, economic, social, and security
challenges confronting France in an increasingly complex international
environment. She highlighted issues such as terrorism and violent extremism,
migration, economic reforms, social cohesion, and the evolving security
landscape in Europe, emphasising how these domestic challenges continue to
shape France's national priorities and international engagement.
The Guest Speaker also provided a
comprehensive overview of France's contemporary foreign policy,
underscoring the country's commitment to multilateralism, international law,
global peace and security, sustainable development, and climate action. She
highlighted France's active role within the United Nations, the European
Union, NATO, and other international organisations, as well as its
continued efforts to address global challenges through diplomacy, international
cooperation, and strategic partnerships.
The lecture further explored
France's growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and its relations with
South Asia, including Bangladesh. Ambassador Aubert noted the expanding scope
of Bangladesh–France cooperation in trade and investment, development
assistance, education, cultural exchanges, defence, maritime affairs, climate
resilience, and sustainable development. She expressed optimism that the
bilateral partnership would continue to deepen through enhanced economic
collaboration, innovation, and people-to-people connectivity.
The programme concluded with an
interactive discussion session, during which participants exchanged valuable
questions, opinions, comments, and observations on France's foreign policy
priorities, contemporary global security challenges, and opportunities for
strengthening Bangladesh–France relations. The event reaffirmed BIISS's
commitment to promoting informed dialogue on international affairs and
fostering greater understanding of the foreign policies of key global partners
through its Country Lecture programme.