Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Saudi heritage is rich and must be highlighted and in this endeavor France is ready to exert all efforts, French Consul General Mostafa Mihraje has said.

Speaking at an event to mark the French National Day, known as the Bastille Day, at his residence here, recently, the consul general said: “We are also proud to have six French archeological missions that contribute to the assessment of the Saudi heritage and the training of a generation of Saudi archeologists.”

The celebration started with the national anthem of both France and Saudi Arabia.

Elaborating on the Saudi-French ties, Mihraje said: “First of all, I would like to emphasize the excellent cooperation between our two countries, especially in the economic, cultural and defense spheres. Saudi Arabia has chosen France as the leading tourist destination and a country of high culture to accompany it in the evaluation and development of the extraordinary Saudi heritage. It is a great honor for France to cooperate with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to implement the Ula project. We hope that cooperation will also be made in the renovation project of Old Jeddah.”

Mihrage added: “I have personally been able to realize through my visits to Tabuk, Abha, Najran, Jazan and Farsan Islands that Saudi heritage is rich and must be highlighted; be confident that France is ready to contribute. We are also proud to have six French archeological missions that contribute to the assessment of the Saudi heritage and the training of a generation of Saudi archeologists.”

The distinctive national celebration gathered a variety of dignitaries, foreign ministry officials and members of the French and Francophone communities in an atmosphere filled with authentic French music, cuisine and arts.

During the ceremony, a variety of iconic French music and songs were played such as the very famous romantic masterpiece of the late French singer Édith Piaf “La vie en rose” and Charles Aznavour’s dramatic chant “La Boheme” alongside a variety of classic French musical recitals.

The National Day of France “La Fête Nationale” is celebrated each year on the 14th of July. This day is the anniversary of the Bastille prison storming in 1789, as well as the “Fête de la Fédération” which memorializes the unity of the French people on the 14th of July, 1790.

Celebrations for this day are held throughout France. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on the morning of 14 July, on the Champs-Élysées in Paris in front of the president of the republic, along with other French officials and foreign guests.

This year, French President Emanuel Macron hosted Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, and nine other European leaders to watch the aerial show and the land march by 4,000 troopers of the French armed forces along the Champs-Élysées.