France – Fête nationale
The French Ambassador, H.E. François Delattre, welcomes the guests
The festive reception sent a message of European friendship and emphasised the close ties between France and Germany. Both the Ambassador and Bernhard Kotsch, State Secretary at the Federal Foreign Office, welcomed numerous guests from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, business, culture and society. The Ambassador recalled the historical significance of 14 July and highlighted the special responsibility both countries bear for a united and effective Europe. In the face of international crises, he said, dialogue, cooperation and mutual trust were more important than ever. Afterwards, the guests took the opportunity to mingle in the embassy’s stately garden. French specialities and fine wines provided a stylish backdrop to the evening. Musical entertainment was provided by the jazz band Two & a half Standards, the Berlin Federal Police Orchestra and DJ Valentin Maas. As always, the reception was far more than just a social event. It underscored the vibrant Franco-German friendship and sent a strong signal regarding the strength of the European partnership.
f.l.: The Ambassadors of Romania, Malta, Estonia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Tatjana Konieczny, Envoy and Deputy Head of Mission of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; Ambassador of Luxembourg
f.l.: The Ambassadors of Switzerland and Latvia, Dr. Claudia Major, Senior Vice President for Transatlantic Security Initiatives at the German Marshall Fund of the United States; Dr. Christian Mölling, Director of EDINA; Ambassador of the Netherlands, Ambassador of India
f.l.: Karin Prien, Federal Minister for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth; Bernhard Kotsch, State Secretary at the Foreign Office; the host, H.E. François Delattre
f.l.: The ambassadors of Bahrain, Malta, Greece and Estonia
The Ambassadors of Kuwait and Japan
f.l.: The ambassadors of Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and wife, and the Ambassador of Spain