The French ambassador to the United States visited Dallas Friday to discuss how the two can strengthen trade and commercial contacts. Philippe Etienne spent Friday meeting with Mayor Eric Johnson at City Hall.
"We have many French companies here around Dallas," Etienne says. "It's really a very dynamic ecosystem for emerging technologies, aerospace and many other very important fields."
Etienne says an ongoing friendship with cities in the United States has helped build business relationships.
"The fact you have a twin city in France means a lot in French culture," he says. "That is also a very important asset for the cooperation between France and the United States."
Dijon is one of Dallas' sister cities.
Johnson says France is one of Dallas' top trading partners.
"Trade and commerce are certainly one of those areas where we already have a strong relationship, but we're going to do everything we can to strengthen it, so this visit is very important to us," Johnson says.
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The two talked about the possibility of opening a French trade office in Dallas.
"We're very excited to do everything we can to deepen that relationship," Johnson says.
The two also said the importance of international partnerships has become even clearer as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"Thank you for having us, especially in this difficult and challenging time for all Europeans," Etienne says. "We think of, of course, our solidarity with the Ukrainian people in these difficult times."
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