On January 17, in Paris, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, acting Foreign Minister of Armenia met with Louise Mushikiwabo, the newly appointed Secretary General of International Organisation of La Francophonie.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan once again congratulated Louise Mushikiwabo on assuming the post of the OIF Secretary General and reiterated Armenia’s full support in fulfilling her mandate and clearly outlined priorities aimed at further development of the OIF - an important platform based on common values.

The interlocutors highly commended the Yerevan Summit of La Francophonie in terms of organization, substance and representation. The Foreign Minister of Armenia and the OIF Secretary General shared the view that the decisions adopted and the agreements reached within the framework of the Summit create good prerequisites for deepening cooperation within the Francophone region.

During the meeting, the acting Foreign Minister Mnatsakanyan briefed Louise Mushikiwabo on the priorities of the Armenian Presidency in the La Francophonie Summit and upcoming plans by underscoring expectations of close cooperation with the OIF Secretariat for their implementation. Promotion of the trade-economic component between the OIF member states, advancement of smart development and digital agendas were outlined as priority directions. Acting Minister noted that as a country presiding at the Summit, Armenia will continue to take steps aimed at resolving the issues faced by the Organisation, to strengthen its position and reputation on the international fora, including through a close cooperation with international and regional organisations, such as the UN, UNESCO, the Council of Europe. In this context, the parties highlighted the promotion of dialogue with the African Union.