French ambassador Jean-Noël Poirier seeks stronger media ties, professional exchanges with Pakistan
Celina Ali
Islamabad: French Ambassador to Pakistan Jean-Noël Poirier this week expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistani media institutions and journalists, highlighting the role of media engagement in promoting closer relations between Pakistan and France.
During his visit to the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad, the French envoy discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in journalism, professional training, cultural exchanges and media-related activities.
Emphasising the importance of sustained communication and closer interaction between the media communities of the two countries, Ambassador Poirier showed interest in working closely with the Press Club and Pakistani journalists to develop practical avenues for professional collaboration.
The discussions focused on promoting direct engagement between Pakistani and French journalists, facilitating the exchange of professional experiences and exploring capacity-building opportunities that could contribute to the development of the media sector in both countries.
The possibility of organising joint media programmes, professional exchanges and cultural activities was also discussed as part of efforts to create stronger institutional links and encourage a better understanding of each other’s societies.
The ambassador’s interest in closer engagement with Pakistani media reflects France’s willingness to broaden its relationship with Pakistan beyond conventional diplomatic and government-to-government contacts. Media institutions, journalists and cultural organisations can play an important role in building public understanding, encouraging dialogue and highlighting areas of shared interest.
Cooperation in journalism and professional training could also provide opportunities for Pakistani media practitioners to engage with French media experiences, exchange expertise and develop professional connections with their counterparts in France.
The visit was therefore an opportunity to explore how sustained media-to-media interaction could complement the broader Pakistan-France relationship, particularly through cultural understanding, professional collaboration and institutional partnerships.