Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia (Armenia is chairing the Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie), delivered a speech at the open discussion hosted by the UN Security Council under the title “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations: Role of the International Organization of La Francophonie”, as reported on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

The foreign minister attached importance to the organizing of a discussion on the cooperation between the United Nations and the International Organization of La Francophonie and expressed gratitude to the assistant to the Secretary-General for Africa and the Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie for their extremely important speeches.

Mnatsakanyan also highly appreciated the role of Niger, which had undertaken the initiative to hold the discussion and in the capital of which La Francophonie was born in 1970 as an Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation and went on to serve as a basis for the formation of the International Organization of La Francophonie, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year.

“Fifty years after its establishment, La Francophonie serves as a major platform for multilateral cooperation. The relations between the United Nations and La Francophonie are hinged on several role-players bearing common values, and they are united by the common desire to work for the strengthening of peace and global security, as well as the determination to fight against terrorism and prevent genocides and crimes against humanity.”

Armenia’s foreign minister attached special importance to the holding of the discussion during the current global, health-related, humanitarian and economic crisis that poses a threat to undermine the consolidation of society. Mnatsakanyan described the discussion being held within the scope of the United Nations Security Council as a unique call to take action and a test of universal endurance and collective capabilities.

“In a period when the negative consequences of the crisis are direr for developing countries and the more vulnerable layers of the population, the United Nations and La Francophonie need to reaffirm their willingness to promote peace and cooperation, solidarity and living together. In this regard, with determination, Armenia supported the call of the United Nations Secretary General for global ceasefire, reaffirming the fact that there is no place for force and the threat of force in the settlement of conflicts.

Armenia is also concerned about the growth of hate speech, which was particularly seen during this health crisis. Today, more than ever, it is important to underscore our commitment to tolerance, respect for human rights and the values of cultural diversity. Despite the tremendous efforts of the multilateral system, we continue to face armed clashes, destabilizing military escalation and manifestations of hate speech at the highest political level, including in our direct vicinity,” Mnatsakanyan stated.

In closing, Minister Mnatsakanyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to promoting cooperation between the United Nations and La Francophonie, expressing certainty that the cooperation will become stronger through the discussion and the joint efforts of the Secretary-General of La Francophonie and the United Nations Secretary-General, opening new and promising perspectives for cooperation.