On October 8-9, the 35th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie took place in Yerevan. The conference was attended by foreign ministers and heads of delegations from OIF member states. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenian Foreign Minister and president of the Ministerial Conference, delivered the opening remarks.

After welcoming those present, the Foreign Minister noted that it is a great honour for Armenia to host the ministerial conference once again after three years. In this regard Zohrab Mnatsakanyan highly appreciated the efforts of former Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian for securing the presidency of the conference for Armenia.

At the Minister’s request, the participants honoured the memory of the “great Frenchman, great Armenian and great citizen of the world Charles Aznavour” with a moment of silence. Mnatsakanyan remarked that Aznavour “embodied the cultural diversity, tolerance, and humanism that serve as the core values of La Francophonie.”

OIF Secretary-General Michaëlle Jean presented the report on the work of the Permanent Council of the organization.

A discussion of recent developments in the Francophone world followed. The participants of the ministerial conference also touched upon the preparatory works for the upcoming 17th summit of La Francophonie.

Representatives of the countries participating in the 35th ministerial conference of La Francophonie then made speeches on behalf of their countries.

An unofficial consultation on the promotion of the French language and multilingualism in European institutions followed.

On October 9, Minister Mnatsakanyan delivered his closing remarks, thanking the delegations in attendance for their active participation and for the comprehensive discussions that took place throughout the conference.

The Armenian Foreign Minister underscored that the promotion of common values of La Francophonie and the peaceful resolution of global and regional challenges remain at the top of the OIF’s agenda․ Minister Mnatsakanyan reiterated Armenia’s commitment to continue active participation in all the processes within the organization aimed at establishing and strengthening peace, solidarity, and tolerance in the Francophone space.

That same day, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, OIF Administrator Adama Ouane and deputy Mayor of Yerevan Kamo Areyan took part in the opening ceremony of the Village of La Francophonie. Armenian high-ranking officials, heads of OIF member states and delegates were also present. Following the ceremony, the guests took a tour of the Village.