On July 16, the French Embassy in Ukraine held a solemn reception on the occasion of the main National holiday of the French Republic, celebrated on July 14 - the 235th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille.

"The events brought by the revolution in France influenced political processes throughout the world; the formation of democratic values ​​began with the Great French Revolution. The celebration here in Kyiv is a very symbolic and important manifestation of solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle," the embassy noted.

The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions of foreign states, military attaches of foreign diplomatic missions, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna, representatives of French and Ukrainian business, cultural figures, and teachers.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Ukraine Gaël Veyssière addressed the guests with a solemn speech, congratulated all those present on this significant date in the history of France and thanked the Ukrainians for their active national position, courage in the fight against the aggressor and love for their country. He also noted that Ukrainians know beyond words what it means to defend their dignity, to fight and defend their own freedom and are an example of courage and indestructible will for the whole world.

The Ambassador presented Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine Maria Karchevych with a certificate for UAH 2 million for power generating and radiographic equipment for hospitals in Chernihiv region, over which France took patronage. This project was initiated by the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi, which was also joined by head of the board of UkrSibbank BNP Paribas Group Laurent Dupuch, head of the board of Credit Agricole Ukraine Carlos de Cordoue and French businessman Charbel Kanaan.