This was Her Excellency France's ambassador to Malta, Béatrice le Fraper de Hellen's first 14 juillet in Malta. She has an inbuilt enthusiasm in everything she does and it is infectious.  I can well imagine that her team at the embassy are kept on their toes with not one dull moment in their hectic but interesting lives. In fact, in her speech, H.E. first of all thanked members of her staff for their dedication and effort in organizing the evening but especially her personal assistant Laurence Laude who managed most of the logistics. She also thanked the French companies who contributed towards the reception.  These included Peugeot-Citroën/PSA Insurance, Renault Credit International and Philippe Martinet, now a household word.  The Demajo Group were generous with the champagne and the Rosé wines 'courtesy of the producers from this region'.

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In her speech H.E. did not speak about the historical relationship between France and Malta but the relationship as it stands today. .

For a start the two countries are dedicated members of the European Union. Although too often criticized the EU is a pillar of stability and respect for the rule of law in the midst of worldwide crisis, violence and abuse of basic human rights. 'These shared values and principles are the core of the EU and this should make us proud,' she said. Moreover Malta and France are both members of the eurozone, which is not only a financial and monetary but also a political project 'which we all hope has been made stronger by the agreement reached on Monday concerning Greece.' H.E. then quoted our Prime Minister who said that some countries among them Malta and France went to Brussels with a clear approach: 'we wanted to protect our interest, but we also looked at the European project.'

She pointed out that both France and Malta are Mediterranean countries, a region which entails significant political convergence. 'One cannot be in the Mediterranean and not see the absolute need to address the challenges on our southern shore. The future of Libya, the future of Tunisia are not a subject of academic studies for us; they are key to our stability.' She informed her audience that France and Malta meet regularly to discuss such issues, within the Mediterranean group of the EU, 'and in the 5 + 5 format with participants from both shores of the Mediterranean, including Libya.' French initiatives to foster stability in Africa, in the Sahel, are well understood by Malta and the same goes for France's proposals to increase the efficiency of international governance, in the Security Council. In the face of immense challenges 'we can never resign ourselves that conflict and differences should prevail.' H.E. then referred to the agreement reached on Iranian nuclear issues and said that France and others are very proud of this achievement.

She went on to talk about issues and priorities such as a peace deal in Libya, an agreement on the EU agenda for migration.  On the latter problem she said that credit should be given to all countries in the Schengen system, among them France, which are ready to accept the principle of relocalisation to their country of migrants rescued at sea who land in Italy, Greece and Malta.

After speaking about tourism in the two countries Her Excellency then announced that in autumn one of the most distinguished French labels in the field of tourism, the Relais et Châteaux label, will be holding its annual congress in Malta. This really is a massive feather in the cap of Her Excellency.

What she said next was music to the ears of Maltese like myself, in her audience. 'I want to emphasize the contribution of Malta to the process as a 'role model' for emerging countries which fear that they cannot achieve growth and reduce emissions. Malta did it.' She spoke about out two countries committed to protect the planet for the benefit of future generations. France, which is assuming the presidency of the Climate Conference of 2015, is honoured to have been invited to address the Commonwealth summit in Malta next November. Dr George Vella, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is preparing to embark on a series of meetings on climate change in Paris and Brussels.

Here she mentioned the Bureau Vallée store in Qormi which had provided the embassy with recyclable products for the evening. 'In all administrations we are obliged and committed to recycling waste and leaving as light an impact on the environment as possible,' H.E. pointed out, drawing our attention to a few leaflets on a project called 'Green Embassy'.

She said that the Prime Minister had participated in the Charlie Hebdo republican march earlier this year: 'It was a time when we needed friends and Malta was there.'

She then tackled the economic front and gave a list of the many French companies present in Malta. 'Peugeot, Citröen and Renault vehicles together top the list of new car purchases, with a special emphasis on hybrid or electric cars,' she said. France, she added,  was aware of the possibilities offered by Malta as a hub, with links to northern Africa and the Commonwealth countries, and the Maltese-French Chamber of Commerce is playing a key role.

She then welcomed and addressed her compatriots in French. There are 745 French people registered at the Consulate, 150 more than last year and 14 births since the beginning of the year. She also paid homage to the several associations which promoted France and the French language while encouraging interaction between French citizens and the Maltese.

The President of Malta looking glamorous and summery in a turquoise ensemble replied to the speech and a toast was proposed by the ambassador to the health, continued stability and prosperity of the Maltese nation and to the friendship between the two countries.

This year the reception seemed less crowded although no doubt there were even more people than usual. This is because guests were encouraged to stroll around the very big gardens of the French residence and in the swimming pool area below, which is out of sight from the main garden. There additional buffets, champagne and French wines could be enjoyed as well as a few surprises, among them French crêpes, to the delight of guests.

Her Excellency looking fresh and smiling in an elegant black trouser suit with a white contrasting top, turned it into a relaxing evening. She has an ability to do this giving the impression that it had all happened with a touch of her magic wand. It was worth the parking hassle, even if in the end I parked on a double yellow line and gave my mobile number to the officer who was looking out for miscreants like me. He promised not to give me a ticket and he didn't. I shall send him a card at Christmas.