General information

On March 20, 1970, 21 states and governments, Belgium, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Dahomey (1620–1900, present-day Benin), France, Gabon, Haiti, Upper Volta (1958–1984, present-day Burkina Faso), Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, Vietnam, and Quebec, established the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation by a convention signed in Niamey (Niger) in 1970. In 1998, it was reorganized to become the Intergovernmental Agency of La Francophonie, and in 2005, the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).

The key objectives of La Francophonie are the following:

• the promotion of the French language and of linguistic and cultural diversity,
• the promotion of peace, democracy and human rights,
• providing support for education, training, higher education, and research,
• promoting economic cooperation for sustainable development.

The organization consists of 53 full members, 5 associate members, and 32 observer states and governments.

At the summit held in 2004 in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Armenia obtained observer status in the International Organization of La Francophonie. At the summit held in October 2008 in Quebec (Canada), Armenia received associate member status, and by the decision of the Francophonie Summit held in 2012 in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Armenia became a full member.

Following Armenia's admission as an associate member, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian appointed Christian Ter-Stepanian as Special Adviser on Francophonie Affairs to coordinate Francophone initiatives in Armenia. Mr. Ter-Stepanian subsequently served as Armenia’s representative to the Permanent Council of La Francophonie from 2013 to 2023. Since 2025, Arman Khachatryan, Ambassador of Armenia to France, is the Armenian Prime Minister’s personal representative to the Council.

The three decision-making bodies of La Francophonie are the Permanent Council of La Francophonie, the Ministerial Conference and the Summit, whose functions are defined by the Charter of La Francophonie.

The Francophonie Summit, where member states are represented at the level of Heads of State or Government, defines the priorities of La Francophonie, adopts resolutions to increase the Organization’s effectiveness and to advance its objectives, makes decisions regarding applications for membership and changes of status, and elects the Secretary General, whose mandate lasts for four years.

The current Secretary General, Louise Mushikiwabo (Rwanda), was elected at the 17^th Francophonie Summit held in Yerevan in 2018 and was re-elected at the 18^th Summit held in Djerba (Tunisia) in 2022.

The country hosting the Summit assumes its presidency until the next session. Regular sessions are convened every two years.

Member states are represented at the Francophonie Ministerial Conference by the Minister of the State or Government responsible for the relevant sector. This body oversees the implementation of the decisions adopted by the Summit and prepares the Summit sessions, approves the Organization’s budget and financial reports. The Conference may also adopt resolutions on specific topics.

Regular sessions are convened once a year.

In the Permanent Council of La Francophonie, member states are represented by permanent representatives appointed by their heads of State or Government. This body monitors the implementation of the decisions adopted by the Francophonie Ministerial Conference and conducts continuous oversight of the political situation in member states, as well as the protection of democracy, human rights, and freedoms. In the event of a military coup against democratically elected authorities, it initiates the process of applying sanctions or suspending membership.

Within the framework of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie, there are also political, economic, cooperation and programming, and administrative and financial commissions.

The sessions of the Permanent Council are presided over by the Secretary General of La Francophonie. Throughout the year, multiple regular sessions may be convened, and in exceptional circumstances, an appropriate number of extraordinary sessions can be held.

The International Organization of La Francophonie carries out its functions in collaboration with operators and structures responsible for specific sectors.

The Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF), which is the advisory body of La Francophonie, is composed of groups representing parliaments or interparliamentary organizations. Armenia joined the Assembly in 2003 with observer status, became an associate member in 2009, and a full member in 2014.

The operators responsible for specific sectors include the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), the French-language international television network TV5, the Senghor University of Alexandria (Université Senghor d’Alexandrie), and the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF).

Armenia’s involvement in the work of the organization

Armenia’s high standing and active involvement in the work of the International Organization of La Francophonie can be evidenced by the solidarity shown toward Armenia by the Secretariat and member states and governments, as well as by decisions to entrust Armenia with hosting the Organization’s decision-making bodies and other important events.

From October 25 to 26, 2011, Yerevan hosted the 31^st session of the General Assembly of the International Association of Francophone Mayors, with the participation of more than 150 mayors. During this session, the Union of Communities of Armenia became a member of the Association.

From October 10 to 11, 2015, Yerevan hosted the 31^st session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference. Among the resolutions adopted at the Conference was a resolution on “Preventing Genocide,” developed on Armenia’s initiative, which referenced the statement made by the Secretary General of La Francophonie, Michaëlle Jean, on the occasion of the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

From October 7 to 12, 2018, Armenia hosted the 17th Francophonie Summit, which was notable for its high level of participation and large number of delegations. The Summit was attended by 75 states and governments, including 29 delegations at the level of president or prime minister, 6 delegations at the level of vice president or deputy prime minister, and 21 delegations at the ministerial level. Participants also included 17 international organizations, operators of the International Organization of La Francophonie, and other actors.

By decision of the member States and Governments, the number of OIF members was expanded to include 3 new associate members (Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, Kosovo) and 4 new observer members (Ireland, Malta, Gambia, and the U.S. state of Louisiana).

Within the framework of the Summit, the following related events were organized:

• From October 7 to 12, the Francophonie Village operated at Freedom Square in Yerevan, where a series of cultural events were held throughout the period.
• On October 10, an economic forum and a forum dedicated to digital technologies were held at the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies.
• On October 11, a gala concert featuring well-known singers took place at Republic Square, with the final segment dedicated to the world-renowned chanson singer Charles Aznavour.

Within the framework of the 2018 Francophonie Summit held in Yerevan, Armenia assumed the presidency of the Organization for a two-year term. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 18th Summit, originally scheduled for 2020, was postponed, and Armenia continued its presidency. From November 19 to 20, 2022, the 18th Francophonie Summit was held in Djerba (Tunisia), attended by the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. At the opening of the session, the presidency of the Summit was transferred from the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Tunisia.

On November 18, during the 43rd session of La Francophonie held within the framework of the Summit, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan summarized the results of the commitments undertaken by member states at the 2018 Yerevan Summit and reviewed Armenia’s presidency in the Organization over the four-year period.

In 2023, Armenia officially submitted an application to host the Francophonie Games.

On December 15, 2023, at the invitation of the International Committee of the Francophonie Games (ICFG), a delegation led by Arayik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of Armenia, participated in a session of the ICFG Steering Council at the headquarters of the International Organization of La Francophonie. During the session, Armenia’s candidacy to host the Francophonie Games was discussed.

Based on the positive conclusion delivered by the ICFG Steering Council, the Permanent Council of La Francophonie unanimously supported Armenia’s candidacy by adopting the corresponding decision. Accordingly, from July 23 to August 1, 2027, Armenia will host the 10th Anniversary Francophonie Games.

Since 1989, every four years, within the framework of the Francophonie Games held in an OIF member country, thousands of artists and athletes from OIF member states come together to participate in sports and cultural competitions.

Armenia regularly initiates the development of various documents and is actively involved in the editorial work of documents prepared by the OIF bodies, emphasizing the reflection of both national priorities and the Organization’s priorities and developments deserving attention.

Within the framework of the 17th Francophonie Summit held in Yerevan in 2018 under the theme “Living Together” a number of important documents were adopted, in particular the Yerevan Declaration on “Living Together by respecting solidarity, humanitarian values, and diversity as the basis for peace and well-being in the Francophone area,” as well as the “Living Together” Francophonie Appeal, developed on Armenia’s initiative.

In the declaration of the 18th Francophonie Summit held in 2022 in Djerba (Tunisia), the member states and governments expressed their deep gratitude to Armenia for presiding over the Francophonie Summit for four years and conveyed their solidarity in the context of addressing security challenges.

Within the framework of the same Summit, in the resolution on crisis situations, their management, and the consolidation of peace in the Francophone area, the member states and governments of La Francophonie welcomed the efforts made by Armenia and Azerbaijan to find a peaceful and just settlement of the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and expressed their solidarity with the Republic of Armenia, a member of La Francophonie. The member states and governments also expressed concern about unresolved humanitarian issues, such as the fate of prisoners of war and other persons still in detention, missing persons, and displaced residents. They further expressed concern over the destruction of cultural heritage in the region and supported the deployment of a UNESCO mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent territories.

On October 5, 2024, within the framework of the 19^th Francophonie Summit held in Villers-Cotterêts (France), in the resolution on crisis situations, their management, and the consolidation of peace in the Francophone area, the member states expressed their solidarity with Armenia and with the peace process. The resolution emphasized respect for the territorial integrity of both countries in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in accordance with the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. The Francophonie member states welcomed the progress achieved in the delimitation process and the restoration of the interstate boundary based on the principles reaffirmed in the April 19, 2024, Agreement, and encouraged the reopening of regional communication routes, in accordance with the principles of sovereignty, national jurisdiction, equality, and reciprocity. The resolution underscored the inadmissibility of the use of force and called for restraint from bellicose rhetoric and hate speech that could impede the peace process. The importance of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) and its contribution to stability in border areas were also highlighted. The resolution emphasized the continued provision of humanitarian assistance to the 115,000 forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the resolution of issues concerning prisoners of war and other detained persons, and missing persons. The OIF reaffirmed its concern regarding the destruction of cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and the support of member states for the implementation of a UNESCO mission in Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent territories.

Cooperation between Armenia and the International Organization of La Francophonie

Efforts are continuously being made to activate sectoral cooperation and diversify its directions.

In 1998, Yerevan became a member of the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF), marking for the first time the establishment of institutional cooperation with the Francophonie. The association provides support to Yerevan’s cultural and educational institutions, particularly several of the city’s primary and secondary schools, by equipping them with language laboratories.

Within the framework of decentralized cooperation, in 2011, the Lori Province of Armenia became a member of the International Association of Francophone Regions.

Since May 2009, Armenia has been a member of the Francophone Regional Center in Central and Eastern Europe (CREFECO). Thanks to the center’s programs, numerous Armenian teachers of French participate in courses and training sessions organized at the national or regional level, aimed at improving the teaching of French and subjects taught in French.

In June 2009, a memorandum on the teaching of French to officials of the Armenian public administration was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, the International Organization of La Francophonie, the governments of the French Republic and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the leadership of the French-speaking community of Belgium.

Armenia is also a member of the Network of National Coordinators for Francophonie in Central and Eastern Europe (RESIFECO), established in September 2013. The network includes Armenia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, and Albania.

In October 2015, within the framework of the “French in International Relations” program, a Partnership Memorandum on National Francophone Initiatives was signed by the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Armenia, and 17 OIF member and observer countries. The memorandum was aimed at strengthening the French-language communication skills of officials in the Armenian administrative system on matters of international relations.

Since 2012, Armenia has participated in the National Francophone Initiative, through which the OIF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia organize professional French-language courses each year. The courses are attended by MFA diplomats and civil servants from various Armenian government ministries.

Interuniversity Cooperation

The following institutions in Armenia are members of the Agency for Francophone Universities (AUF): The French University in Armenia, the V. Brusov State University, Yerevan State University, the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, the Kh. Abovyan Armenian State Pedagogical University, the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography, and the Institute of Informatics and Automation Problems of the National Academy of Sciences. With the support of the agency, two University Achievement Centers have been opened in Yerevan.

In March 2011, the Armenian branch of the Senghor Chairs International Network of Francophonie was opened at the French University in Armenia. Its aim is to promote the teaching of French and to make Francophonie more visible in its various aspects—institutional, political, cultural, and economic.

In October 2010, the Agency for Francophone Universities (AUF) signed an agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia to establish a center for the digitization of French-language informational resources, which is located at the V. Brusov State University in Armenia.

Thanks to the “Francophone Book Corner” program, launched in 2014, a number of libraries in Yerevan and other regions of Armenia have been enriched with French-language literature.

On June 23, 2015, at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and in cooperation with the International Organization of La Francophonie, the first regional seminar was held in Yerevan on promoting gender equality in civil society in Central and Eastern Europe. The seminar was attended by representatives from the governments and civil society organizations of Albania, Bulgaria, Armenia, Macedonia, and Romania.

Interparliamentary Cooperation

At the parliamentary level, Armenia actively cooperates with the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF). On July 5, 2009, the National Assembly of Armenia became an associate member of the APF, and since 2014, it has held full membership.

Until 2014, Armenia benefited from the APF’s “NORIA” program, under which French-language courses were organized for Armenian parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, donations were made, and support was provided for the French translation of the National Assembly’s website.

From May 4 to 7, 2010, the 23rd session of the European Region of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie was held at the National Assembly of Armenia, attended by 80 representatives from more than 20 countries.

In 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia and the Agency for Francophone Universities to implement joint scientific and university projects.

In 2021, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia became a member of the Association of Francophone Constitutional Courts.

On June 20, 2021, for the first time, an OIF (International Organization of La Francophonie) observation mission participated in the parliamentary elections held in Armenia. The mission’s final report noted that the elections in Armenia were conducted freely and fairly, in accordance with international norms, standards, and democratic principles.

On October 7, 2022, at the 7th Congress of the Forum of Media Regulators of Francophone Countries (REFRAM) held in Paris, the Armenian Commission on Television and Radio was elected as a full member of the Forum of Media Regulators of Francophone Countries.

Francophonie Season

Every year, in March–April, in connection with International Francophonie Day on March 20, Armenia hosts the Francophonie Season. Events are organized through the efforts of Armenian government bodies, embassies of OIF member states accredited in Armenia, and Francophone civil society organizations. It includes hundreds of cultural and educational activities dedicated to the values of Francophonie and the French language. The program for the 2026 Season is available at the following link:

High-Level Dialogue

On April 7, 2010, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with the Secretary-General of La Francophonie, Abdou Diouf, who was on an official visit to Armenia.

On October 12, 2015, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with the Secretary-General of La Francophonie, Michaëlle Jean, during her official visit to Yerevan.

On September 11, 2018, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met with the Secretary-General of La Francophonie, Michaëlle Jean, who was visiting Armenia on an official trip. Both Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Michaëlle Jean also made statements for the press.

On October 30, 2019, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, who was in Monaco on a working visit to attend the 36^th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie, met with the Secretary-General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo.

On November 12, 2019, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, on a working visit to Paris, met with Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo.

On December 9, 2020, Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan, during a working visit to France, met with Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo.

On October 5, 2021, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo, who was on a working visit to Armenia. Following the meeting, both Nikol Pashinyan and Louise Mushikiwabo made statements summarizing the outcomes of their discussions.

From October 17 to 19, 2023, a delegation led by the Secretary-General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, visited Armenia as a gesture of solidarity. On October 18, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia between Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo, after which both made statements to the press.

On June 27, 2024, at the invitation of the Secretary of La Francophonie, Caroline Saint-Ilre, Arayik Harutyunyan, Head of the Staff of the Prime Minister of Armenia and President of the National Committee for the Francophonie Games, participated in the ceremonial handover of the Francophonie Games flag. On the same day, A. Harutyunyan and C. Saint- Hilaire signed an agreement regarding the organization of the 10th edition of the Francophonie Games.

Updated on 19.06.2026