On March 20, Francophone countries mark the International Francophone Day, on the occasion of which the representatives of diplomatic corps of francophone countries and parliamentarians were hosted at the Armenian Foreign Ministry. Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan delivered a speech on the occasion of the Francophonie Day.

"I am very glad to host you at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today and to celebrate International Francophone Day together. Thank you for celebrating this day that unites all those who share the Francophonie culture and communicate in French.

Since 1990, Francophones and Francophiles from all continents have been celebrating the International Francophonie Day every 20 March.  On 20 March 1970, the IOF was established in Niger as an intergovernmental organisation of French-speaking nations called the Agency of Cultural and Technical Cooperation. 

Today's celebration happens after Armenia hosted the 17th Francophone Summit in 2018, an exceptional event, which ensured the full visibility of Francophonie.

It is also important to use all the opportunities available to develop cooperation in digital sphere in Francophone space. As noted by Francophonie Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo, it is necessary to create jobs especially for young people representing the Francophonie, building a better future for the next generations.

As an effective collaboration example, I would like to highlight the effective partnership between Paris and Beirut and the TUMO Center for Innovative Technologies.

We are also proud of the presence of the French University in Armenia in cooperation with its founder and partner, Jean-Moulin University of Lyon.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Speaking about the Francophonie, I would like to thank all those who contribute to the study and deepening of the French language in Armenia.  I also thank the International Organization of La Francophonie who has been supporting the teaching of Armenian officials French language for already ten years. And I am glad that the Francophonie program has approved the Armenian National Francophone Initiative Program for 2019-2022. 

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the young francophones, schoolchildren, as well as teachers and directors of educational institutions. Thanks to their daily work, Armenian children discover French, Francophone literature and culture as well as ways to Francophone values.

I also want to thank all the organizers and participants of the Francophonie in Armenia, the youth, as well as all those who are interested in Francophonie events.

I wish you a wonderful Francophone holiday. "