Pakistan and France Pledge Broader Political and Economic Ties

ISLAMABAD, September 16, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to deepen its relationship with France through political dialogue, economic engagement, development cooperation and stronger people-to-people exchanges.

The prime minister made the remarks during a farewell meeting with outgoing French Ambassador Nicolas Galey in Islamabad, according to Radio Pakistan.

Shehbaz praised Galey's contribution to Pakistan-France relations during his posting and said Islamabad wanted to build on the two countries' longstanding ties. Both sides emphasized the value of regular high-level exchanges and continued coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Economic cooperation in focus

The meeting placed particular emphasis on expanding economic engagement. Wider contact between businesses, investors and public institutions could help both countries identify opportunities in trade, technology and development projects.

France is an important European partner for Pakistan, and French companies and development institutions have participated in projects across the country. Islamabad has increasingly sought to diversify its international economic relationships while maintaining dialogue with major European capitals.

That effort gives bilateral business ties added importance. More regular interaction between commercial communities could complement government-level diplomacy and turn political goodwill into practical cooperation.

People-to-people links were also identified as a pillar of the relationship. Academic, cultural and institutional exchanges can create sustained contact among students, researchers, professionals and civil-society organizations in both countries.

Farewell to the French envoy

Shehbaz conveyed warm regards to French President Emmanuel Macron and wished Galey success in his future assignments.

The ambassador's farewell call followed a separate meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari earlier in the week. During that meeting, the president also called for stronger economic cooperation and greater interaction between Pakistani and French businesses.

The two farewell meetings underline Islamabad's interest in maintaining momentum in the relationship after Galey's departure. Continued senior-level dialogue, development partnerships and commercial engagement will shape how quickly the two countries can translate that intent into new initiatives.