On July 16, 2024, the Embassy of France in Ukraine held a reception on the occasion of the main national holiday of the French Republic – the 235th anniversary of the Bastille Day.
The historical event that gave rise to the holiday took place during the French Revolution in 1789. The rebellious Parisians stormed the Bastille fortress-prison, which was considered a symbol of monarchical despotism, and finally eliminated the power of the king in France.
The events brought about by the revolution in France influenced political processes around the world, and the formation of democratic values was initiated by the French Revolution.
Mr. Gael Veyer, Ambassador of the French Republic to Ukraine
The celebration here in Kyiv is a very symbolic and important manifestation of solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle.
The solemn event was attended by distinguished guests: heads of diplomatic missions of foreign countries accredited in Ukraine, military attaches of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Ukraine, representatives of the government, including the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Ms. Olga Stefanishyna, representatives of French and Ukrainian business, well-known cultural figures, and educators.
Maud Joseph, Director of CCIFU
The event began with the performance of the National Anthem of France and Ukraine by the military orchestra of the National Guard of Ukraine and a minute of silence for the Ukrainians who died in the war as a result of the Russian armed aggression.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine H.E. Mr. Gael Veyer addressed the guests with a solemn speech, congratulated all those present on the significant date in the history of France and thanked Ukrainians for their active national position, courage in the fight against the aggressor and love for their country.
President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine Andy Hunder and CEO of Schneider Electric Ukraine Mykhailo Bubnov
He also noted that Ukrainians know what it means to defend their dignity, fight for and protect their freedom and are an example of courage, bravery and unbreakable will for the whole world.
Ambassador of France to Ukraine Gael Veyer invited Ms. Maria Karchevych, Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine, to the stage to present a certificate for UAH 2 million for power generating and radiographic equipment for hospitals in Chernihiv Oblast, whose renovation was sponsored by France as part of the Luhansk process.
This noble project was initiated by the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi, with the support of Laurent Dupuch, Chairman of the Board of UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group, Carlos de Cordoux, Chairman of the Board of Credit Agricole Ukraine, and a personal contribution from French businessman Charbel Kanaan.
About 500 guests joined the celebration. It was beautiful, exciting, and imbued with a delicate atmosphere of the French spirit.
Congratulations to the French people and friends of France in Ukraine on Bastille Day!
Source: https://www.facebook.com/UkrDiplomatic/
