I’m speaking to you just after the commemorations here of 11 November, when we look back and remember those killed in all the wars in the last hundred years. This was my first time in Paris attending these commemorations and it was the privilege to be at the Arc de Triomphe where the Président de la République led the commemorations there.
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Also, in the afternoon, we had a big service in Notre-Dame Cathedral, organised by the Royal British Legion, on behalf of all the Commonwealth and allied countries who fought together in two World Wars.
Very moving occasion, Cathedral full of people for a very solemn ceremony. It is another reminder of the shared history and interests that we have with France, and an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of previous generations and indeed of the armed forces who are still fighting, for example in Afghanistan.
And we are moving into a period where there will be even more commemorations to do. In 2014, it will be the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. So we should be having a series of events which we are working to plan with the French authorities now, with a big emphasis on young people and bringing alive for young people the sacrifices of previous generations, and therefore the importance of all of us working to prevent conflict in Europe and elsewhere in the future.
This week will also be a big week for us because we have our Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg here on Wednesday to see Prime Minister Ayrault and also to make other calls around Paris. Next time I talk to you I will give you a flavor of Mr Clegg’s visit.