It’s a momentous year in French-Bahrain relations as it marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations share 50 years of diplomatic relations. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, the official reception in his honour at the Élysée Palace underscored the importance both nations place on their bilateral relations in the economic, trade, investment, cultural and tourism sectors.
We spent an afternoon at the residence of the French Ambassador HE Jérôme Cauchard to explore the various sectors in which the two nations work closely and talk about things that are classically French – culture, fashion and football!
Your Excellency, it’s been 50 years of diplomatic relations between France and Bahrain, how does the French embassy ensure that these bonds are strengthened?
HE Jérôme Cauchard: We are working daily to enrich the relationship. This year we celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations. France was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain and since then we have had permanent dialogue with Bahrain even at the highest level. This year, in August, His Majesty the King was in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
France is a country of arts, from fashion to food and the French embassy in Bahrain organizes career enhancement programs like the screenwriting workshop, cultural scholarships, and the fashion week Paris to Manama. Why do you think it is so important to encourage art and creativity between countries?
HE Jérôme Cauchard: Artistic relations play a big part in enhancing relations. This is why we’re focusing on Fashion Week Paris to Manama. It helps to bring the society at large together, not just officials from both countries. Our aim was to bring young, emerging, talented Bahrain designers into the limelight. For the Fashion Week, French and Bahrain experts mentored these young designers for six weeks and then we showcase their best creations (four to eight pieces for each designer). It will help them expand their knowledge and their horizons and we are very proud to be part of this journey.
And, by the way, we found talented, young Bahrainis in all spheres like photography, astronomy and as you mentioned screenwriting. Bahrain is full of talent!
Bahrain is a very unique mix of modern and traditional, what do you personally like about the culture of Bahrain?
HE Jérôme Cauchard: You’re right. Bahrain is an incredible mix of history, archaeology, diversity, tradition, and interest in foreign cultures, but also at the same time modernity, and inter-religious dialogue. The Pope coming to Bahrain shows openness (of the country). So many passed by the Bahrain shores throughout centuries, and even millennia, we can feel it when we live here.
These are excerpts from the video interview with HE Jérôme Cauchard at his official residence. While we have presented to you, the essence of our conversation, only a video can bring alive the vibrance of the setting and seeing HE the Ambassador’s enthusiasm as he speaks to Life N Style on various topics and plays a couple of notes on the legendary piano at the French residence. You can watch the full interview here:
