The Historical Alliance Between France And The United States of America
France’s Relationship With Lebanon Goes A Long Way Back
Interviewed by: Julia Nader and Rita Sahyoun
French Consul General Sujiro Seam, a diplomat of high style, familiar with international politics, especially in Europe, is working relentlessly at the service of the French community in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. His main goal is to strengthen economic and cultural relations between France and the United States of America. We asked Mr. Seam a few questions regarding his career and his role as Consul General of France in Houston.
- Who is Sujiro Seam, Consul General of France in Houston, Texas. Where did he serve before arriving in Houston?
In 2013, he was appointed Consul General of France in Houston. He entered the diplomatic service in 1998 and now has over 20 years of experience with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the beginning of his journey, he was in charge of Legal Affairs and served in New York with the United Nations before heading to Brussels, Belgium to work with the European Commission. He came to Houston to serve as Consul General of France.
On a personal level, he told us “I am from Cambodian origin. I came to France when I was two years old as a war refugee fleeing Cambodia in the 1970s. I got married in France and have two kids who were born in Brussels. I am currently settled in Houston with my family.”
- How do you evaluate the relationship between the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty?
France was the first historical ally of the United States of America. During my stay in Oklahoma, I had the pleasure to give the French Legion of Honor to American Veterans who participated in World War II. This alliance between France and the United States is old and very strong, even if we had some disagreement during the invasion of Iraq, when France decided not to intervene in the war.
It was a difficult time but today we are at the highest level of alliance with the United States which expressed solidarity with France following the Charlie Hebdo and the November attacks. Today we are engaged in the fight against terrorism alongside the United States to defend our shared fundamental values, democracy and freedom.
- In Lebanon we say that France is compassionate, affectionate. Is it still the same?
I’ve never been to Lebanon so far but there is a very powerful French-Lebanese relationship. In Brussels or New York, where I was posted, the relationship with the Lebanese community was always strong, as it is now in
Houston. I take part in Lebanese celebrations, and know that we can count on our Lebanese friends who spread our culture and our civilization. The relationship between France and Lebanon goes a long way back.
- Last year France hosted 90 million tourists. Is France the first destination for tourism?
Tourism is key to France’s economy and one of the most visited countries in the world. Everyone on this planet wants to see the Eiffel Tower at least once in a lifetime and France is a country with great historical significance. We are actively promoting tourism in France and encouraging foreign tourists to visit our beautiful country.
- Is there a big French community in Houston and how many French people reside in Houston?
The Consulate of France covers Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. We have 10.000 French people registered with the Consulate and we estimate the total number of French people in the region to reach between 20.000 and 30.000, with almost half of them living in Houston.
- How to strengthen the bonds between France and the United States?
I would first like to highlight the French diplomatic presence in the United States: they are 10 French Consulates and we are working to serve the French community, to develop trade and economic ties with American companies. To achieve this result, we work closely with the French-American Chambers of Commerce in Dallas and Houston, and the French American Business Council of Austin, launched recently in Austin by our Honorary Consul.
The Consulate also actively promotes French education and culture.There are schools offering French programs in Houston, Dallas and Austin. Many private schools offer French classes and we are thrilled that public schools are starting to open French immersion classes such as the Mark White elementary school in Houston ISD.
The Consulate, in partnership with the Texan-French Alliance for the Arts, is also engaged in showcasing French culture and Arts. We work to build bridges and open doors to integrate French and American cultures and to initiate artistic exchanges.
The Consulate is dedicated to the development of exchanges in science and technology. We have strong ties with universities in the region and have been successful in developing scientific programs and cooperation. France has a strong presence here in the energy, space and medical sectors, as well as other areas.
- What is your message on July 14, the French national Bastille Day?
It’s a great celebration for the French community. Americans call it Bastille Day, it is a celebration of our values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. We will celebrate our National Day at the Village School this year, and expect more than one thousand people to attend.
It is a wonderful celebration and it is of great significance that Bastille Day is celebrated a few days after the United States ’Independence Day: the two national holidays reflect French-American friendship and I’m happy to host the French community on this occasion and our American friends.
