On October 13-14, the 14th Summit of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) took place in Kinshasa. The Summit was attended by delegations of 77 member-states, associated and observer states led by heads of states and governments, as well as foreign ministers. At the Summit Armenia was represented by Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.

The Summit was preceded by the meeting of the OIF Council of Foreign Ministers, which on October 11 unanimously approved Armenia’s decision on the membership to the Organization to present at the Summit. On October 13 the International Organization of the Francophonie made a decision on the full membership of Armenia to the Organization.

After that decision on Armenia’s membership, Edward Nalbandian delivered a speech at the Summit, particularly saying, “It is a great honor for me to attend the 14th Summit of the International Organization of the Francophonie, where Armenia is becoming a full member of the Organization.

I would like to thank the trust and express my gratitude for the membership to the Francophonie big family and that large platform of dialogue and cooperation.
We are proud to have Armenian civilization, culture and language as a part of Francophonie common heritage which is full of cultural and linguistic diversity.

It is well-known that Armenia is tied with France and Francophonie countries by special relations. The fates of our countries and peoples are interlinked with tested ad solidified peace and the commitment to protect common values of freedom, democracy and human rights.

Holding of a status of full member at the Organization, Armenia would be able to further strengthen and deepen its cooperation with the member-states, intensively participate in the works of the Organization and to act in the spirit of solidarity and common values.

Together with the Francophonie member-states, Armenia would exert active efforts towards the further strengthening of the Organization’s role in various international platforms.