As part of the week-long Francophonie Day celebrations, French Ambassador Julie Le Saos and commanding officer Captain Gauthier Guillaumat hosted cocktails aboard the French Navy vessel Vendemiaire at Kings Wharf in Suva last week.
The surveillance frigate Vendémiaire, which is based in New Caledonia, plays a key role in protecting French interests in the South Pacific and representing France across the Ocean.
Captain Guilliaumat said that as security issues in the Pacific continue to escalate, the co-operation between France and Fiji was more important than ever.
“Through rigorous training exercises, the Vendémiaire frequently carries out sovereignty and cooperation missions while improving the operational readiness of its crew,” he said.
“Its activities are in line with France’s dedication to working with regional partners to combat maritime trafficking and manage marine resources sustainably”.
Ambassador Le Saos said they were giving Fiji the resources it needs to address both established and new security threats.
Members of the French naval vessel FS Vendemiaire at the Kings Wharf in Suva on Wednesday last week. Picture: KATA KOLI
(L-R) Augustin, Victor, Marie and Paul during the Fancophonie Day celebration on the French Naval vessel at the Kings Wharf in Suva on Wednesday last week. Picture: KATA KOLI
Ambassador of France to Fiji Julie Le Saos speaks during the Francophonie Day celebration at the Kings Wharf in Suva on Wednesday last week. Picture: KATA KOLI
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka shares a light moment with a guest during the Fancophonie Day celebration.
Picture: KATA KOLI
Commanding officer Capt Gauthier Guillaumat (left) with Ambassador of France to Fiji Julie Le Saos (middle) and Lt-Col Arnaud Bouyssou. Picture: KATA KOLI
Shyla Chand of Investment Fiji (left) with Fiji Rugby Union board member Jenny Seeto, Maeva Piquier of Foundation SMA and Anabele Ali from Fiji Fish. Picture: KATA KOLI
Members of the Chinese Self-Defense Force and Chinese Embassy during the Francophonie Day celebration on the French Navy ship at the Kings Wharf in Suva on Wednesday last week. Picture: KATA KOLI
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow with Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua during the Francophonie Day celebration at the Kings Wharf in Suva on Wednesday last week. Picture: KATA KOLI
