Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 17 (HBTV): French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou met Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow Director Archana Shukla on Monday, encouraging Indian students to pursue higher education in France.

In a post on X, Mathou shared, "Good meeting with Director, Prof Archana Shukla, during my visit to IIM Lucknow. Top French B-schools already have exchange programs with one of India's premier management institutes. My message to the Indian students - Choose France!"

Mathou also held discussions with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow.

Following the meeting, CM Yogi posted on X, "Had a productive and fruitful meeting with Dr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, at my official residence in Lucknow today."

Earlier this month, Mathou described the India-France relationship as exceptional and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral exchanges. He emphasised the importance of people-to-people and cultural exchanges as top priorities, alongside the existing strong partnership in security and defence.

"The relation between India and France is exceptional. Last year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our partnership. The core of our relation is security and defence. The challenge is to put more flesh on the bones of the rest, and the rest is people-to-people exchange and culture as a top priority," Mathou stated.

Discussing the upcoming Kerala Literature Festival 2025, he announced that a French delegation of 50 novelists and eight publishers would attend the event. The visit aims to promote cultural exchange and focus on translation projects.

(ANI)