On March 27 Minister Nalbandian made a speech at the conference “Francophonie: an opportunity for Armenia’’, held at the French University where Ambassadors accredited in Armenia, lecturers from the Armenian leading Universities and students were present.

In his speech the Minister noted that being Armenia’s Ambassador in France, he had the honor to make the first steps in the process of starting relations between Armenia and the International Organization of Francophonie. In 2006 Armenia became an observer in the Organization, then in 2008, became an associate member and eventually in 2012, a full member.

“At the Francophonie Summit held in Kinshasa, the full membership of Armenia opened a new stage in our relationship with the Francophone world. The International Organization of Francophonie is a new platform of cooperation for us with the Francophone countries in the five continents of the world in political, economic and cultural spheres”, said the Minister.

Minister also noted that in the last decade much effort was exerted to strengthen the presence of French in the educational and University system of Armenia as well as to the creation of Francophone environment and the best proof of these efforts is the effective functioning of the French University in Armenia.

“Every year hundreds of Francophone cultural, educational and academic events are organized in Yerevan and other regions of Armenia. Within the framework of events dedicated to Francophonie and launched on the 19th of March in 2013, there will be 410 events, which is unprecedented in its scale”, added the Minister.

Armenia actively participates in the works of the Parliamentary Assembly of Francophonie. In 2011 the General Summit of International Association of French-speaking Mayors was held in Yerevan. This year, in October the 3rd summit of Armenian-French decentralized cooperation will be held in Valence, which will outline the future activities, and will further strengthen the partnership cooperation.

“Armenia will contribute to the process of increasing the reputation and role of the International Organization of Francophonie as well as to its involvement in the international processes”, ending his speech, noted the Minister.

Speeches were made also by the President of the French University Jean-Jacques Montois and French Ambassador Henri Reynaud.