The July 14 National Day reception held at the French Embassy in Ankara witnessed colorful images as well as diplomatic contacts this year. The "Plum Branch" challenge, which started weeks ago on social media, turned into reality on stage this time.
Belgian Ambassador to Ankara Hendrik Van de Velde's performance of Ankara dance accompanied by "Plum Branch" at the reception held in May attracted great attention on social media, and the French Embassy in Ankara, on its official social media account, invited Van de Velde to play "Plum Branch" with French Ambassador to Ankara Isabelle Dumont at the July 14 reception. Ambassador Dumont also quoted the invitation and shared the message, "Dear friend, I am ready."
The anticipated meeting took place at France's National Day reception. Ömer Faruk Bostan, the interpreter of "Erik Dalı", took the stage later in the night and sang the popular Ankara tune. As the music started, French Ambassador to Ankara Isabelle Dumont and Belgian Ambassador to Ankara Hendrik Van de Velde came on stage and played together.
In the moments when diplomatic protocol was replaced by game figures, the two ambassadors responded to each other's figures from time to time, while the guests in the hall accompanied them with applause. Many local and foreign guests attending the reception recorded these moments with their mobile phones. While the "Plum Branch duel", which lasted about a few minutes, was one of the most colorful moments that left its mark on the night, the scenes of friendship on the stage received great applause from the guests.
The meeting of the ambassadors in the atmosphere of Ankara was also the happy ending of the humorous challenge that started weeks ago on social media. - ANKARA