On March 20, the world celebrates the International Day of La Francophonie. Almost 300 million francophones from all over the world celebrate this day not merely as a French language day, but also reaffirm their will to “vivre ensemble” within peace and cultural diversity. As a currently chairing country in the Francophonie Summit, Armenia highly emphasizes the importance of celebrating the International Day of La Francophonie, which symbolizes peace, solidarity, tolerance and cultural diversity.

The fundamental values of La Francophonie highlight the importance of consolidating peace, solidarity and relations based on mutual respect, that open up new dimensions of development, where hatred, discrimination and forgery are rejected.

Regrettably, not all the countries in our region share these universal values. On September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan with direct support of Turkey and the involvement of foreign terrorist fighters, unleashed aggression against Artsakh that led to severe humanitarian consequences for the peaceful populations. In this context Armenian people attach great importance to the decision of many representatives of the Francophone family to stand by our country during the severe days of war.

Being committed to the values of La Francophonie and the universal civilization, Armenia expresses its willingness to put efforts towards establishing fair and dignified peace in the region.

As you know, every year in the months of March and April, Armenia celebrates the two months of La Francophonie within which different educational and cultural celebrations are being held in the capital city and other provinces. Amid the restrictions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, this year it is impossible to celebrate the Day of La Francophonie the way we wanted.

Nevertheless, we are convinced that all the Armenian francophones from schools, universities, local authorities and civil society will celebrate the La Francophonie and French Day in their own unique way. We are also hopeful that by next spring Armenia and the world will overcome the pandemic and the Francophone and Francophile community of our society will regain its possibility to enjoy the traditional two-months’ celebrations.

On the International Day of La Francophonie I wish for our Organisation, our Francophone Family as a unique place of dialogue of civilizations, to maintain its relevance and to meet the expectations of the people of Francophones.