French Ambassador Jean-Noël Poirier has expressed a keen desire to work closely with Pakistani journalists and explore opportunities for cooperation with the National Press Club (NPC). During an informal meeting with NPC office-bearers and journalists on November 4, the Ambassador emphasized that maintaining regular communication and exchanging views with the media is important. He stated that open dialogue helps build mutual understanding and strengthens relations between the peoples of France and Pakistan.
During the visit, the French ambassador planted a sapling at the Press Club and received a briefing on the organization's various departments, facilities, and journalistic activities.
NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial welcomed the ambassador, stating that the National Press Club is playing an active role in promoting journalists’ welfare, professional training, and journalistic activities. Sial described the visit as an important development toward strengthening media relations and mutual cooperation between Pakistan and France.
NPC Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao provided the ambassador with a detailed briefing on the history and organizational structure of the Press Club, as well as its ongoing initiatives for journalists’ welfare and professional activities. Dr. Rao emphasized that organizing training programs to enhance journalists’ professional capabilities, equip them with modern journalistic skills, and provide exposure to international media practices is an important need of the time.
Rao expressed hope that, with the cooperation of the French Embassy, various training workshops and professional sessions would be organized to enhance the capacity of Pakistani journalists. He noted that these initiatives would provide journalists with opportunities to learn about modern journalism, communication skills, and international journalistic experiences. He added that the National Press Club is keen to play a positive and constructive role in further strengthening journalistic and cultural relations between Pakistan and France.
The ambassador’s visit was described as an important step towards promoting media relations between the two countries, exchanging professional experiences, and exploring new opportunities to enhance the professional capacity of Pakistani journalists. Discussions were also held on further strengthening mutual contacts and organizing joint activities in the future. President Abdur Razzaq Sial thanked the ambassador for visiting the National Press Club.
