The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, on behalf of the Government and Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, extended heartfelt congratulations to the French Republic on the occasion of the 236th Anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille, at Bastille Day celebrations, held on 14th July 2025, at the French Embassy.
Mr. Randall Karim, Acting Permanent Secretary and Head of the Foreign Service, conveyed congratulations to representatives of the French Republic as well as greetings to members of the Diplomatic Corps, who were also present at the anniversary celebration, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Sobers, M.P., Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs.
In his address, Mr Karim reflected on the enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the French Republic, noting France’s longstanding role as a respected partner within the international community. He underscored the significance of bilateral cooperation, particularly in vital sectors of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy such as energy, infrastructure, construction and port development.
He further acknowledged the active presence of French enterprises in the Trinidad and Tobago, spanning areas including oil and gas, maritime transport (SOGET), software solutions and medical waste management, thereby highlighting France’s tangible contribution to national development.
The event also featured an address by His Excellency Didier Chabert, Ambassador of France, who announced that the 2025 Bastille Day celebration would mark the conclusion of his tenure as Head of Mission to Trinidad and Tobago. Ambassador Chabert has served in this capacity since 2022 and is scheduled to depart in the upcoming weeks.
Ambassador Chabert also commended the recent initiative by Caribbean Airlines to establish flights between Port of Spain and the French Overseas Territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe. This, he indicated would serve to further deepen cultural and people-to-people ties.
Trinidad and Tobago and France have enjoyed warm and cooperative diplomatic relations since 1962, rooted in shared values and sustained through continued dialogue and collaboration.
