Around a hundred foreign leaders are due to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on the Seine in Paris this Friday, July 26. This is a security challenge, but also a diplomatic one, as these royal and presidential delegations will need to be welcomed in the best possible conditions. To achieve this, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formed ” 172 liaison officers “, volunteer diplomats who will serve as guides for the leaders invited to the capital for a few days.
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Normally, Anissa Gardam works in the Legal Affairs Department of the Quai d’Orsay, and deals with the ratification of treaties signed by France. But for one week, this young diplomat will take care of the King and Queen of Denmark. ” My role will be to ensure that the visit goes as well as possible. possible, to ensure that their visit goes smoothlyshe explains to us in an office at the Quai d’Orsay. And indeed, in the event of a problem, be able to coordinate and reassure them so that their stay on French territory goes as well as possible. »
With a big smile and an impeccable suit, Anissa volunteered to accompany King Frederik X, Queen Mary and Princess Benedikte, the sovereign’s octogenarian aunt, during their Olympic stay. I don’t speak Danish at all… I’m an Arabic speakershe jokes. But I am lucky to be part of a delegation that has a perfect command of French.. »
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No Danish lessons, but be careful of the protocol in force within the royal family! Nothing extravagant, but still a few rules to respect. You have to pay attention especially to the names : “Your Majesty”And “Your Royal Highness”if their children also arrivepoints out Anissa Garam. But generally speaking, we were also told that they were very friendly and therefore it would be a pleasure to accompany them on the different sequences.. »
Unforgettable moments
A relaxed royal family, but a little stress nonetheless as the event approaches. Because the Quai d’Orsay agents will have to deal with the unexpected – but also, if necessary, promote exchanges between the delegations.
” This is an opportunity for many heads of state and government to organize bilateral or multilateral meetings in France, with their counterparts or possibly with the French authorities.points out William Fiadjoe, deputy coordinator for protocol for the Olympic Games. And this is also what we prepared with our liaison officers. We provided them with all the contacts and all the information necessary to deal with the different sequences. : airport reception, sporting events, and possible diplomatic meetings. »
For the Quai d’Orsay, the exercise also allows it to highlight the diversity, talent and adaptability of its civil servants: all ” liaison officers » are fluent in English, and many can speak Arabic or Russian.
” Welcoming a head of state means representing France and his ministry, and also trying to provide this delegation with exceptional moments.adds Anissa Garam. With these Games, we will all experience moments of emotion that will be unforgettable. After all, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. ! »
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