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Vincent Guérend: This Bastille Day, let’s celebrate the deep and enduring friendship of France and Ireland
Yesterday was Bastille Day, a celebration of liberty, equality, and fraternity — the values of the French Republic with a universal aspiration since 1789.
For French people, it is a moment for reflection on the journey of our nation — and this year, my fourth and last celebration in this country as French ambassador, I am particularly keen to celebrate the thriving relationship between France and Ireland.
Franco-Irish relations have never been stronger.
Our nations share deep historical links, underpinned by mutual respect
In August 2021, I was honoured to welcome President Emmanuel Macron for an official visit, an occasion marked by the signature of the first France-Ireland joint plan of action.
Last November French prime minister Elisabeth Borne visited Dublin to celebrate the 225th anniversary of 1798 — the “Year of the French”.
The proximity of these presidential and prime-ministerial visits is uncommon in France’s foreign relations, yet it reflects the high-esteem and priority with which Ireland is regarded by France as a partner today.
Since January 2021, France is Ireland’s closest EU neighbour and I have never been more confident about the depth of our bilateral ties.
Our nations share deep historical links, underpinned by mutual respect and a shared commitment to democratic values and human rights. The roots of our connection date back centuries.
Over the years, we have seen our bilateral cooperation flourish across various fields, including education, energy and sustainable development, culture, science, and technology.
Economic ties between France and Ireland are robust and growing and the numbers speak for themselves.
French exports to Ireland have tripled in 10 years. The top 300 French companies based in Ireland have created more than 30,000 jobs. France is the number one EU supplier of goods in Ireland, and it is the number one EU investor in Ireland.
Conversely, Irish businesses are increasingly finding opportunities in the French market, strengthening economic ties which will be reinforced by the entry into service of the Celtic Interconnector in 2027.
In the realm of education, the many exchange programmes and partnerships between French and Irish universities have created a rich tapestry of collaboration.
Rugby, in particular, stands out as a significant sporting link between our nations
French language and culture are widely embraced in Ireland, with a growing number of students choosing to study in France, while Irish students in France contribute to a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.
The Erasmus+ programme has been particularly instrumental in fostering these connections.
French students are the largest cohort of Erasmus+ students in Ireland, and France is the most popular destination for Irish Erasmus+ students.
We have 125 double-degree curriculums between French and Irish institutions of third-level education and 11 European universities of which French and Irish universities are part of.
In the past year, sport has been at the forefront of relations between our two countries.
Sport has an unparalleled ability to bridge gaps and bring people together, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. I hugely enjoyed watching GAA matches.
In just over a week, France will welcome the Olympic and Paralympic Games; excitement is truly building for Paris 2024.
Ireland has already known success in Paris in the games: when Jack B Yeats won a silver medal in 1924 for his wonderful painting The Liffey Swim – the first medal won by the recently formed state.
I wish Irish athletes a lot of success in Paris this summer.
Rugby, in particular, stands out as a significant sporting link between our nations.
I am filled with optimism for the future of Franco-Irish relations
During the 2023 Rugby World Cup, hosted by France, the Irish team’s participation was met with immense enthusiasm from the French public. The presence of Irish supporters, renowned for their fervour and good spirit, added a vibrant touch to the tournament.
Gaelic games are also increasingly popular in France with well attended tournaments and an increasing number of players.
As we celebrate Bastille Day, it is essential to recognise and cherish the friendship that unites France and Ireland.
The relationship between our nations is evident not only in politics and economics but also in the vibrant and unifying domains of culture, education and sport.
Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism for the future of Franco-Irish relations. Together we can continue to build bridges, inspire our youth, and promote the values of solidarity and cooperation that are at the heart of both our nations.
As I am about to leave Ireland to go back to France, by sail and rail, I wish to thank the thousands of people I met, from Malin Head to Carnsore Point and from Carlingford to Dingle.
I was overwhelmed by the warm and friendliness of your welcome.
On this Bastille Day, let us toast the enduring friendship between France and Ireland. Vive la France! Vive l’amitié Franco-Irlandaise!
Vincent Guérend is the outgoing French ambassador to Ireland