President Serzh Sargsyan, who is in France on official visit, today at the headquarters of the International Organization of Francophonie met with the Secretary General Michaelle Jean.
The President underscored that the meeting is first of all a good opportunity to recap the accomplishments of previous years and pre-set following steps, considering the fact that next year marks the 10th anniversary of Armenia’s membership to the Organization of Francophonie. Serzh Sargsyan noted that through the course of her cooperation with the Organization, Armenia has never stopped her efforts aimed at promoting the values of the Organization and dissemination of French language. With the assistance of the Organization of Francophonie in Armenia was established a full cycle of education in French – from kindergarten to university which is functioning now.
According to the President, cooperation with the Organization has not only promoted French language and Francophone culture in Armenia, but also became a platform for the strengthening of the bilateral relations with the member and observer states and expansion of international cooperation. With this regard, in the President’s words, the organization of the 31st Ministerial Conference of Francophonie in Yerevan in 2015 was of critical importance.
The President of Armenia and the Secretary General of the International Organization of Francophonie stressed the importance of a close cooperation established between Armenia and partner structures of the Organization. In this context, underlined was the cooperation with the International Association of Francophone Mayors. As a result, conditions have been created in a number of Yerevan schools for the enhanced study of French language, renovated were musical and art school, and libraries.
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The parties discussed also the current problems existing in the family of Francophonie. The interlocutors exchanged views on Armenia’s participation at the peace-keeping missions carried out in the countries – members and observer states of the International Organization of Francophonie. President Sargsyan expressed gratitude for the Organization’s and Madam Jean’s personal balanced position on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. According to Serzh Sargsyan, support to the efforts of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, which is the only specialized format dealing with the issue, is also support to the establishment of peace and stability in the region.
The parties spoke also in detail about the works related to the Summit of the International Organization of Francophonie to be held in Armenia in 2018. The decision to hold such a prestigious Summit in our country, according to the President, testifies not only to Armenia’s commitment to the values of the Organization, but also to a great trust towards our country. Serzh Sargsyan underscored that it is a very responsible task, and Armenia pledges to make that important event a success.
The President of Armenia informed the Secretary General on the preparatory works for the Summit going on now and noted that there was established an interagency commission, headed by the Prime Minister of Armenia, while the RA Minister of Foreign Affair, together with the Organization, is developing the program of events. The President proposed to focus on sustainable development, innovation, information technologies, and youth related issues.
At the headquarters of the International Organization of Francophonie, President Sargsyan made an inscription at the Book of Honorary Guests. “I am glad to visit for the first time the Headquarters of the International Organization of Francophonie – a great family of diversity, solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation. Armenia, which during ten years of her involvement has deserved the right to be called an active member-state, is committed to promoting the values of Francophonie which are universal. This is manifested in the confidence the member-states have demonstrated towards Armenia, deciding to hold the 17th Summit of the Organization in Armenia. We will certainly fulfill the mission entrusted to us with a great honor,” wrote the President.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President of Armenia and Secretary General of the International Organization of Francophonie made statements for the press on the results of the meeting.
The President of Armenia thanked for the meeting and warm reception and invited Madam Jean to visit Armenia also before the Summit.
Secretary General Michaelle Jean underscored that Francophonie is rich with its diversity and the heritage possessed by its members as well as with the message and vision for future which it is able to pass on to other members of Francophonie. She assured that the Organization is looking forward to the Summit in Armenia with a great anticipation and said that the Summit will be a good opportunity for the Armenian people to manifest their great will and resolve to survive and to live.