Kohima: A five-member French delegation recently concluded a six-day visit to Nagaland aimed at fostering institutional and cultural partnerships. Led by Marc Boudin, Director of Alliance Francaise du Bengale, the group engaged in high-level discussions with government officials and private stakeholders between June 12 and 17. These meetings focused on expanding collaboration in areas including culinary arts, tourism, hospitality, sports medicine, and professional training.
The delegation featured several notable experts, such as explorer Linda Myriam Bortoletto, wine school founder Olivier Karim Thienot, and Olympique de Marseille Chief Medical Officer Damien Laurent Marie Monnot. During a roundtable meeting chaired by IDAN Chairman Abu Metha, officials emphasized the importance of strengthening international diplomacy and building lasting people-to-people connections.
State advisor Daochier I Imchen encouraged the delegation to collaborate on local initiatives, such as film festivals and animation projects, to transform Nagaland’s cultural assets into a robust economy. Highlighting the shared values between the two regions, Marc Boudin expressed his enthusiasm for future joint projects. He stated, "This visit is not only to promote French culture but to link Naga and French culture and promote Nagaland in France through partnerships and exchanges."
The visit included several practical activities hosted by the Niathu Group of Hotels, featuring sessions on food pairing and a football panel discussion. This engagement serves as a follow-up to the business roundtable held during last year's Hornbill Festival, which was originally initiated by the French Ambassador to India.
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