Social and Diplomatic Events in Ankara

	French National Day Celebrated by a Garden Party French Ambassador Bernard Emie and his elegant wife Isabelle hosted a reception which turned out to be the best garden party of 2009 in the garden of their beautiful residence. The Ambassadorial couple greeted guests at the entrance together with the charming Defense Attache of the Embassy, Lt. Col. Benoit de La Ruelle. After the arrival of Egemen Bağış, the State Minister for EU Relations, both the host and Bağış delivered speeches at the stand prepared for them. Then national anthems of both countries were played and after that the event turned out to be a great party until very late hours of the night. The national day was also a celebration of the start of Turkish Season in France which started on 1^st July and will finish on 31^st of March. In more than 80 cities of France, more than 400 cultural, scientific, academic, economic, social events will take place during this period. Ambassador Emie, said that, to organize a Turkish Season in France was agreed by then Presidents of France and Turkey, Jacques Chirac and Ahmet Sezer and afterwards was supported by present Presidents, Nicolas Sarkozy and Abdullah Gul. Turkish Season in France aims to show the French public Turkey’s dynamism, diverse creativity and rich cultural heritage. Guests numbering much more than 750, enjoyed the delicious delicatessen brought from France along with Movempick ice creams, Kavaklidere & Kayra wines, espresso from Illy’s, Turkish coffee from Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi and chocolates from Palet. The French National Day turned out to be a beautiful party night for Ankaran’s, with a beautiful weather and great atmosphere.