A French Parliamentary Group led by Senator Francois Marc, Rapporteur General of the Finance Commission and president of Friendship Group, France, on Saturday said that tourism projects committed by France would be expedited in Puducherry.
The team, which was accompanied by Pierre Fournier, Consul-General, told the Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office V. Narayanasamy here that the projects would be certainly implemented. Mr. Francois Marc and the Consul General replied to Mr. Narayanasamy’s demand that the sand beach would become a reality soon.
On special concession to students of Puducherry to carry out study in France, Mr. Marc said that the issue was discussed between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and French President Francois Hollande when the latter met him in New Delhi. Relaxation of visa, student exchange programme and other points were also discussed in the meeting. Mr. Marc said the team was extremely happy to see the symbols and monuments of French connection in Puducherry. They were excited to see the monuments. France would continue to take steps to improve the good relations with India, particularly Puducherry.
The team met Lt. Governor Iqbal Singh and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy separately. It was described as courtesy call. Strengthening of socio cultural and bilateral relations, exploring avenues for exchange programmes figured in the meeting.
Gerard Cesar, vice-president of Economic Affairs Commission and vice-president, Valerie Letard, Member of Economic Affairs Commission and vice-president, Particia Schillinger, Member of the Social Affairs Commission and Secretary, and Marie-Pascale Boutry, advisor to the Directorate of the Secretariat, Protocol and International Relations Office and Executive Secretary, were part of the team.
