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The Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations’ (BFEA) fourth ‘This is Bahrain’ event will take place next week in Paris.
Up to 200 Bahraini and expatriate delegates will fly to the French capital to showcase the kingdom at a series of events culminating in an exhibition, conference and dialogue session.
BFEA secretary general Betsy B Mathieson, a former GulfWeekly columnist, said: “It is clear that the people of France are interested to further develop our excellent business, cultural and friendship ties and we are so excited to be playing our part in this. Paris, here we come!”
She said the visiting party aims to spread a message of ‘peace and love’ and members will be visiting famous religious landmarks to offer a multi-faith ‘Prayer for Peace’ from His Majesty King Hamad and the community of Bahrain to the people of France.
“We want to share with the world the wonderful safe, peaceful, multicultural lifestyle we all enjoy in Bahrain which is home to us all,” added Miss Mathieson.
“To reflect this reality we are very happy to have with us the Alliance Francaise and the French School and French Language Association along with other schools, clubs, societies, churches, mosques, temples, the Bahrain International Circuit, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and businessmen and women who are keen to make new business contacts.”
It will be the fourth international event following on from London, Berlin and Brussels.
Guests, she said, were ‘always amazed’ when they visit the ‘This is Bahrain’ touring exhibition stands and hear of the country’s 200-year-old Hindu temple, Jewish synagogue, Sacred Heart church, Buddhist temple and mosques and realise ‘we have such total religious freedom in Bahrain’.
“Also the fact that the Kingdom of Bahrain is a welfare state with free health care, education and housing and other vital social services without paying taxes is something they find quite incredible” she added.
