interview
Moving Forward With Bastille Day around the corner, French Ambassador, HE Jerome Cauchard, talks of strong relations with Bahrain.
I believe this is your first posting as head of mission, how has your career to date prepared you for this role? I worked in the past at the French Presidency, also with French Prime Minister as Deputy Chief of French State Protocol. I was diplomatic advisor to the President of the upper chamber of Parliament. I have also been Consul General and twice Deputy Head of Mission. So, I can honestly say that I was prepared, but it must be acknowledged that a posting as Head of Mission bears no comparison. You feel it when you are introduced to His Majesty the King with your credentials. It is definitely something new. You have been here almost 10 months now. How are you finding life in Bahrain? (pre and post restrictions.) I was very busy after my arrival. Time just flew by. There are so many things to do and discover in Bahrain, in many different fields: political, economic, cultural, religious, social, sport and even animal welfare. Of course, life has changed with the restrictions due to the pandemic, with a broader use of remote work and video for example. But it seems that we are on the move again. How many French nationals are residing in Bahrain? Around 1,100 French citizens are registered at the Consulate, who live in Bahrain and contribute by their daily actions to the relationship between France and Bahrain.
What are their main concerns and how does the embassy deal with these? And how is the embassy supporting the community during the current pandemic conditions? Are you aware of any French nationals who have contracted the virus? Our embassy has kept close contact with the French community, updating relevant information on a regular basis. Fortunately, according to our knowledge, only one French
citizen has been infected until now. With a full recovery. The French Embassy a been in touch on a regular basis with the French community, providing practical information, useful internet links and guidance. Of course, we have a special highlight on international travel from abroad to mainland France and on rules governing entry into the French territory (for example the required international travel certificate and sworn statement of absence of Covid-19 symptoms and of contact with confirmed cases). And these regulations have been evolving in line with the sanitary situation in France. Generally speaking, and having in mind that there is no vaccine yet, the French community has been fully committed to compliance with regulations taken by the Kingdom’s authorities. These regulations and precautionary measures were taken at an early stage, like the closure of schools, the choice for large-scale testing, e-services in the administration or self-isolation. Every country has to address the epidemic with a specific mix of measures. The French community of Bahrain has been confident. In this regard, it should be noted that Gulf Air has kept open the air route between Manama and Paris. It helped a lot. And we do not forget all the health workers. Their devotion and personal investment are to be commended.
In which sectors are they employed? Nearly 40 French companies have a presence in the country, mainly distributed between the financial services sector (BNP Paribas), industry (Fives, Vinci Energies), engineering (Setec, Egis, Aéroports De Paris), infrastructure (Veolia, Engie, EDF), hotels (Accor) and insurance (Axa). The Africa-Middle East headquarters of BNP Paribas bank and the insurance company Axa have been located in the capital since 1975, illustrating the role of regional hub that the Kingdom has been playing. French nationals are also working in the educational and cultural sectors. And, of course, my colleagues in the French Embassy. Presenting credentials the HM The King 6 July 2020
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