With a distinguished career spanning numerous regions, Nicolas Galey has established himself as an exceptional French diplomat, effectively addressing crucial international challenges throughout his assigned missions.
Nicolas Galey: Personal Profile
Nicolas Galey was born in Paris on November 18, 1960, and is currently 64 years old. He is well known for his steadfast commitment and diplomatic skills.
He married Camélia and has a daughter named Louisa.
Nicolas Galey’s academic background is remarkable. He completed his secondary education at Fénelon Sainte-Marie High School (Lycée Fénelon Sainte-Marie) between 1972 and 1978.
He later earned his bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Institute of Political Studies in Paris (Institut d’études politiques de Paris) between 1979 and 1982.
Galey pursued postgraduate studies at the prestigious National School of Administration (École nationale d’administration) from 1986 to 1988 in order to further develop his expertise.
This good intellectual background most certainly aided his diplomatic success.
Aside from his native French, Galey excels in English as well.
His Excellency’s Professional Biography
In 1988, Nicolas Galey began his diplomatic career. His diplomatic career spans over three decades.
Galey has held senior positions in the Paris Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside multiple ambassadorial appointments throughout his career.
Galey began his diplomatic career as the First Secretary at the French Embassy in Algiers, Algeria, from 1988 till 1991.
Subsequently, he served as the coordinator for cooperation and cultural relations with the Middle East and North Africa region between 1991 and 1993.
Following that, he operated as an advisor to French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé from 1993 to 1995.
In addition, he served as a counselor and a Middle East/North Africa expert at the French Mission to the UN in New York from 1995 to 1999.
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Galey later served from 1999-2002 as Deputy Chief of Mission at the French Embassy in Egypt, Cairo.
Furthermore, he served as Deputy Director for the Egypt-Levant region from 2002 until 2005.
Between 2005 and 2007, Nicolas Galey worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris as Michel Barnier’s deputy chief of staff.
Due to his exceptional diplomatic skills, Galey was appointed ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt from 2012–2014 and then again to the Republic of Cyprus from 2007–2009.
Additionally, he was a Middle East counsellor at the French Republic’s Presidency’s Diplomatic Cell from 2009 until 2012.
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Meanwhile, he served as Ambassador Inter-ministerial Delegate for Mediterranean Affairs from 2014 to 2017.
Galey served as France’s ambassador to the Philippines from 2017 to 2021.
He thereafter served as a policy officer at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre from 2021 to 2022.
Incumbent Posting: Ambassador to Pakistan
Nicolas Galey was appointed as the 25th French Ambassador to Pakistan in January 2022. He succeeded His Excellency, Marc Baréty, ushering in a new era in Franco-Pakistani ties.
Nicolas Galey became the French Ambassador to Pakistan at a time when Franco-Pakistani relations were strained.
This was prompted by the 2020 blasphemy crisis involving Charlie Hebdo’s publishing of cartoons of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
In 2020, Pakistan recalled its ambassador to France, Moeen ul Haque, following widespread rallies across the country demanding for the government to cut diplomatic and trade ties with France amidst blasphemy allegations.
The ambassadorial position remained vacant for two years, and in October 2022, Asim Iftikhar was appointed ambassador to Pakistan in France.
In his several press statements and meetings, His Excellency, Nicolas Galey, articulated his agenda in Pakistan as per how to strengthen the startling relations.
In an interview, Galey stated that there is a shared desire to turn the page.
He further went on to say that the strained relationship was caused by “specific events” and that both sides now wish to move forward.
He affirmed that the two nations hoped the incident would no longer be an issue in their bilateral relations.
“That (episode) belongs to the past and I think everybody wishes that it belongs to the past.”
Areas of Bilateral Cooperation
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey assured that defense cooperation with Pakistan remains uninterrupted.
“cooperation in the field of defense with Pakistan is continuing and there is absolutely no interruption or move or intention to change the current situation in this area of cooperation”.
He emphasized that France would support any initiative that helps Pakistan strengthen and develop its economy.
The ambassador & the economic counsellor were in #Dubai (UAE) from March 18 to 19, to meet with French companies exporting to Pakistan & regional HQs operating in #Pakistan. They attended a conference organized by @CCI_France_UAE & a meeting with Pakistan Dubai Business Council. pic.twitter.com/Oz0cQyNukc
— France in Pakistan 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinPak) March 22, 2024
Additionally, he underlined the importance of cultural exchanges in fostering greater understanding and collaboration.
Above all, boosting higher education partnerships continues to be a significant priority on both countries’ bilateral roadmaps.
The Embassy of France in Pakistan is organising the first Choose France Education Fair at LUMS on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
Use the opportunity to get in touch with French universities on the LUMS campus, and explore options to diversify your studies abroad. See you there! pic.twitter.com/4QC2ixzxgh— Office of International Affairs LUMS (@OIA_Lums) October 31, 2022
In his interview, he described his trip to Pakistan and how the country’s rich culture had awed him.
