KUALA LUMPUR: France has given its assurance on the safety of Malaysian students in the country, but has urged them to be vigilant following last Friday's deadly attacks in Paris.
French Ambassador to Malaysia Christopher Penot said that French security forces had been placed on full alert to ensure the safety of people in France.
"We are trying to prevent further attacks and we are doing our best to ensure the security of everyone in France, including tourists and students.
"There is no reason to believe that there will be a further attack soon, but we must stay vigilant.
"Right now, the Government of France has declared a state of emergency which will last for 12 days and probably be extended for several more days. The security measure will give exceptional power to security services and the police," he said after launching the France Alumni Malaysia platform here Wednesday night.
The digital platform aims to allow foreign alumni to stay in contact with France, its schools, universities, enterprise and culture.
In the Friday terror attacks at several places in Paris, among them restaurants, a concert hall and a sports stadium, at least 129 people were killed and 352 injured.
Asked whether the attacks will affect foreign student arrivals in France, Penot said he is optimistic that France would still be a destination for foreign students, especially Malaysians.
He said that an average of 200 Malaysian students pursued their studies in the country yearly, and believed that this would continue.
"Terrorism is a global phenomenon. It can happen anywhere in the world and does not only affect one country but the whole international community. That's why we need to send a strong message to the perpetrators," he said.
He said the international community must stand in solidarity and remain calm despite the attacks.
"We are fighting a war against very organised and coordinated terrorists who are trying to destroy our way of life and destroy everything that we believe in and, for me, personally the best response that we can give is to carry on with our life in togetherness," he said.
He said the French Embassy in Malaysia was closely monitoring the recent developments in Paris and would issue statements when needed, and those who had any enquiries could contact the embassy for information. -Bernama
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