ISLAMABAD: French Ambassador to Pakistan Jean-Noel Poirier on Wednesday visited the National Press Club (NPC), where he held discussions with its office-bearers and senior journalists on strengthening media relations and professional cooperation between the two countries. The ambassador was received by NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary Dr Furqan Rao and senior journalists. He also planted a sapling at the National Press Club and was briefed on its various departments, facilities and journalistic activities.

Welcoming the ambassador, Mr Sial said the National Press Club was actively working for journalists’ welfare, professional development and promotion of journalistic activities. He termed the visit an important step towards enhancing media ties and cooperation between Pakistan and France.

Dr Furqan Rao briefed the ambassador on the Press Club’s history, organisational structure and initiatives for journalists’ welfare. He highlighted the need for professional training programmes to equip journalists with modern skills and provide them exposure to international media practices.

He expressed the hope that cooperation with the French embassy would help organise workshops, training sessions and professional exchanges for Pakistani journalists. Such initiatives, he said, would contribute to improving reporting skills, communication techniques and understanding of contemporary journalism.

Speaking informally with the Press Club office-bearers and journalists, Mr Poirier expressed his willingness to work with Pakistani journalists and explore avenues of cooperation with the NPC. He stressed the importance of maintaining regular communication and exchanging views with members of the media.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026