The work of the 17th summit of La Francophonie has come to an end. Today, Armenia feels great pride in hosting this important international meeting and in celebrating its great success.

The Armenian people, staying true to the traditional hospitality of their ancestors, warmly welcomed the representatives of Francophone countries from five continents.

The Armenian youth war also involved with all its enthusiasm, dynamism and love of French and Francophone culture.

I cannot discuss these unforgettable moments without remembering the emotional and sad moments we shared when we lost Charles Aznavour, that great artist who gave so much to France and to the French culture and gave so much to Armenia.

In this regard, I would like to once again express my gratitude to President Macron for making Armenia a part of the ceremony of national tribute in honour of Charles Aznavour on October 5th.

We will also remember those bright days of coexistence in the heart of Yerevan, which, thanks to the Village of La Francophonie, has become a wonderful place for the expression of cultural diversity.

Now I will list some of the facts that have marked this Summit, to highlight first of all the large number of attending heads of states and governments of member and observer states of La Francophonie.

I am especially proud of the quality of exchange of ideas and the constructive dialogue we had about the theme of "Living Together" proposed by Armenia.

By adopting the Yerevan Declaration and the Francophone Call for ‘’Living Together’’, we have elaborated a roadmap that sets out the goals we have set to address the main challenges that our societies are facing. It will, at the same time, direct the activities of our organization over the coming years.

This roadmap reaffirms the core values of La Francophonie, its firm commitment to peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, its dedication to education and linguistic and cultural diversity. It promotes solidarity and the exchange of principles, which are necessary for the development of more just and equal societies.

It is also based upon the French language, which is the bond that holds the Francophone family together.

All these elements together form the basis of “Living Together” in La Francophonie, this common heritage to which we are bound to and which we must maintain and strengthen.

As the presiding nation of La Francophonie Summit, Armenia will implement jointly with the IOM a number of initiatives throughout its presidency, while at the same time establishing closer cooperation with international and regional organizations, such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe, in the fields of cultural diversity and human rights.

We will also work with the network of ministers responsible for digital technologies, established during the Economic Forum held in Yerevan and presided over by Benin, in order to develop projects in the field of the digital economy.

And finally, in line with the economic strategy of La Francophonie, we will organize an Economic Forum in Armenia on cooperation between La Francophonie and regional economic integration processes in order  to establish partnerships with regional and subregional economic zones.

Madame Secretary-General-Elect, esteemed Louise Mushikiwabo, I would like to congratulate you on your election as the Secretary-General of La Francophonie and wish you success in your mission. Rest assured, that Armenia will always be by your side.

I would also like to pay tribute to your predecessor, the esteemed Madame Michaëlle Jean, for the dynamic work accomplished under her leadership.

I also want to congratulate the Tunisian Foreign Minister, whose country will host the Summit in the year of the 50th anniversary of our organization. I am convinced, Mr. Minister, that your country will make the most of its capabilities to successfully host that summit and to ensure the elegance of that celebration.

Thank you.