On July 17, newly appointed French Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Christophe Penot, came to Melbourne for his first official visit. He was accompanied by Mr. Christophe Bories, Economic Advisor to the French Embassy

Ambassador Penot visited the offices of the French Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry before meeting with State Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Jenny Bloomfield. 

Following the meeting with DFAT, Mr. Penot toured the studios of SBS Radio in Federation Square with Mr Jean- Noel Ducasse.

To conclude the morning, the Honorary Consul General of France in Melbourne Ms. Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie hosted a lunch with the presidents of the local French associations before an afternoon visit to Eildon Mansion, where the Alliance Française de Melbourne is located.