The French president François Hollande will visit Ireland next week to discuss the impact of Brexit on the island.

The French ambassador to the Republic, Jean-Pierre Thébault, has said Ireland must retain its strong trade relationship with France in the wake of Britain’s vote to leave the EU.

Mr Thébault was speaking at the annual Bastille Day celebrations at the French ambassador’s residence in Dublin.

“The period looking ahead will be full of challenges and opportunities and also of threats.

“We have learned recently, with great sadness , that a member of the EU will intend to leave this community and this will create challenges. We are all sad because of it,” he said.

“At the same time, we need to manage this tradition in the best way possible, taking into account the interest of our people and we must also pay attention to the voices that are expressing concerns everywhere in Europe, ” he said.

“I think it is very important that France and Ireland must contribute actively to the redefinition of what a sensible, pragmatic but meaningful Europe should be.”

Britain voted to leave the EU in a referendum three weeks ago.

‘Significant moment’

Mr Thébault said Mr Hollande’s visit to Ireland will be a “significant moment”.

“This visit could not happen at a better moment because the president of France can pay tribute to Ireland and recognise the Irish people and our shared history.”

Mr Thébault said a special monument in Ireland will be dedicated by France to the Irish people to recognise the special relationship between the two countries.

“Beyond this celebration of what unites us, it will also be able to engage in discussion about the future and what Ireland and France can achieve together when in Europe and it will be a defining moment,” he said.

Mr Thébault also paid tribute to the Irish soccer fans’ good behaviour while at the Euro 2016 tournament in France.

“The green army which peacefully invaded France was fantastic and continued for several weeks,” he said.