The Paris 2024 Olympic Games represent a moment of hope for the world, the country’s ambassador to the UAE has said.
With just days to go until the Games start, Nicolas Niemtchinow said he hoped everyone would come together for the event despite global tensions.
The ambassador said France was ready to host the Games and it was going to be a “magnificent” occasion.
“This is a very proud moment for my country,” Mr Niemtchinow told The National exclusively.
“And we will try to show the best of our country to the world.”
About 15 million people are expected in France during the Games that run from July 26 to August 11 amid tight security. The Paralympics take place after.
Eschewing a traditional stadium event, the Games start with a unique and spectacular waterborne opening ceremony along the River Seine against the backdrop of the iconic Paris skyline.
“This is the biggest event we have ever organised,” he said. “It's really huge.”
Mr Niemtchinow said it was an honour to host the Games as they were important in bringing people together at a time when conflicts from Ukraine to Gaza were dividing people.
“I believe as a diplomat that sports create links between countries [and] between people,” he said.
“We need that immensely in this world, fractured by a resurgence of wars and rivalries.”
He pointed to the UN resolution proposed by France last year calling for an Olympic truce. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly last November.
“We need … those moments for celebrating together through peace … rather than to fight or to go to war.”
Paris has hosted two Olympics and the event comes a century after its last Games in 1924. They will be staged in 35 venues across Paris, France and overseas. Major venues include Eiffel Tower Stadium (beach volleyball); Stade de France (athletics); Roland Garros Stadium (boxing and tennis); and Teahupo'o in Tahiti (surfing).
Organisers of the Games say sustainability is crucial. They aim to cut the carbon footprint of previous Games from about 3.5 million tonnes of C02 to about 1.75m by chiefly using existing or temporary venues rather than building new ones.
“This is a symbol of our global commitment to reduce carbon emissions,” he said, adding the move was a “breakthrough” for the future of the event.
There has also been commentary in France about whether the city is prepared but the ambassador said France was ready.
“Now we are in the most tense period,” he said. “It's like the competition when you are on your starting block. When you are on the starting blocks you feel the tension. Then release and go.”
The River Seine has also come under the spotlight. The iconic waterway is the venue for opening ceremonies and some swimming events but heavy rain has led to some pollution with a €1.4 billion clean-up operation seeking to tackle it.
“The problem is that it was very rainy,” he said, adding it was important not to reduce the Games to one issue.
“Now we have to wait [for] the stabilisation of the river. We'll see. But the country is ready.”
Authorities said over the past few days an improvement in weather meant the quality in the Seine was good. French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera on Saturday swam in the river to allay any concerns.
The Games also come after President Emmanuel Macron’s snap election. Negotiations are continuing to try to form a government. Mr Niemtchinow said he cannot comment on internal politics aside from the fact the election does have an impact – “which one we don't know” – but it will not stop the Games.
“All the country is behind the Olympic Games.”
The French community in the UAE are also marking Bastille Day, the country's national day, that falls on July 14. About 30,000 French call the UAE home with more than 310,000 French tourists visiting the UAE every year.
“It is a very globalised community,” he said. “Very dynamic. Very active.”
Ties are strong across multiple fields such as culture, defence, energy, artificial intelligence, space and more, with the presence of Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi among the most prominent expressions of those warm relations. At least 600 French countries operate in the UAE with bilateral trade standing at more than €7billion a year.
“It's very good,” he said, when asked about current French-UAE relations. “It is very confident. It's very deep. It's very diversified. We are preparing together for the future.”
The Olympic flame arrived from Greece to Marseilles in May. From there, the torch has travelled across France and its territories overseas ahead of the opening ceremony.
Mr Niemtchinow said he wished the best for the French athletes and also the UAE who have a 14-strong squad competing. Omar Al Marzooqi, Emirati showjumping star and medallist at the Asian Games, attends Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
“I wish Omar and all the Emirati team the very best,” he said.
“When the Olympic Games start, it will be magnificent. It's a unique moment. It's an extraordinary moment.
“I hope it will bring more hope and more peace to the world.”
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