The Embassy of France in Suva celebrated Bastille Day at the Holiday Inn Suva on Saturday.

The French national day is celebrated each year on July 14 with fireworks and a large military parade.

It marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, a grand fortress that was infamous for holding political prisoners, during the first moments of the French Revolution in Paris in 1789.

The event was a turning point in the revolution.

The event in Suva was attended by the President, Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Cabinet ministers and members of the diplomatic corps.

Speaking at the event, French Ambassador to Fiji Sujiro Seam commended the diplomatic relations between Fiji and France over the years.

Mr Seam commended Fiji’s lead role in the fight against climate change in the Pacific and the Prime Minister’s role as Conference of the Parties (COP) 23 President.

Diplomatic relations between Fiji and France were established in 1970 when Fiji became independent.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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