Célébration du 14 juillet 2010 à Abuja, Hotel Hilton - Discours de l’Ambassadeur, M. Jean-Michel Dumond

Today we commemorate the 1790 “Fête de la Fédération” held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison when delegates from all the regions of France proclaimed their allegiance to the national community.

As President Sarkozy told the French Ambassadors in August 2009, 2010 will be an important year for the relation between Africa and France. Two major events will mark 2010 :

Firstly, the Africa – France summit was held in Nice five weeks ago. President Jonathan Goodluck attended the event. He was the only one, with President Zuma of South Africa, to have bilateral talks with President Nicolas Sarkozy. He played an important part in the discussions between Heads of State and Government, having in particular a leading role in maintaining peace and security in the region.

We praise Nigeria’s contribution to peace and security in the region. Nigeria is also playing a very important role presiding this month the Security Council of the United Nations. That is the reason why the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Henry Ajumgobia, to whom I extend my greetings, is in New-York today. I am honoured to welcome Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and the other Honourable Members of the Government who are here tonight.

Secondly, for the first time troops from 14 African countries participate in the traditional defile on the Champs-Elysées. This year these 14 countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of their independence. France is deepening the renovation of its relation with Africa, a renovation wanted by President Sarkozy.

Nigeria will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of its independence on the 1st of October. We extend our best wishes to the people and the Government of Nigeria on this occasion. France commends the efforts of the Nigerian Authorities to ensure free and fair election in 2011, to fight against corruption and to put the culture of impunity to an end.

Our relation with Nigeria is excellent and fruitful. The French Embassy will continue to commit itself to deepening it.

Mes chers compatriotes,

Je suis particulièrement heureux de vous recevoir pour la troisième fois à l’occasion de notre fête nationale.

Malgré les difficultés économiques et budgétaires, mes collaborateurs et moi sommes attachés à vous apporter tout notre soutien dans votre action au Nigeria.

Cette année encore, j’ai tenu au cours de mes déplacements à vous rencontrer dans les différents Etats de ce grand pays.

La nouvelle école française a été inaugurée le 26 avril à Abuja. L’ancienne école permettait d’accueillir 300 élèves, la nouvelle permettra d’en recevoir environ 500.

Mesdames et Messieurs, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to express my warm appreciation to the French and Nigerian companies that have greatly contributed to the success of this evening tonight : Total, who invests 2 billion USD every year in Nigeria, Air France KLM, Bouygues, CFAO, Moët-Hennessy, the Zenith Bank, Bolloré and les Editions du Diplomate. I also thank the Hotel Transcorp Hilton.

I also thank and commend the choir Amemuso for its wonderful performance tonight. I praise the work done by the wife of the German Ambassador with Amemuso. The presence of the choir tonight is also a sign of the friendly relations Germany and France. This relation is particularly useful in this phase of the European construction.

Let me propose a toast to President Goodluck Jonathan, to President Nicolas Sarkozy and to the peoples of Nigeria and France.

Thank you for your attention. Enjoy the evening.