The launch of the two-month Francophonie season yet again displays the great interest in the francophone culture in Armenia.

Nearly 600 cultural, educational and university events will be held in Yerevan and all the marzes (provinces) of Armenia over two-month Francophonie season. Indeed, this is a exceptional indicator ever fixed in the celebrations of the International Francophonie Day, to-be-organized on March 20.

Armenia can be proud in holding high the torch of La Francophonie, which is an evidence of Armenia's commitment to La Francophonie, its cultural and linguistic diversity, tolerance, unity and mutual understanding.

It is worth mentioning, that youth most excited with this enthusiasm. Particularly we welcome that significant part of the events, dedicated to the Francophone culture is to be held in nearly 200 secondary and high schools, in music and arts schools, universities.

This key Francophone event, as a follow up to positive reaction and success of the 31st Ministerial Conference of Francophonie, held in Yerevan, with attendance of Secretary General Michaëlle Jean, Ministers and Heads of delegations of nearly 7 dozen member and observer states of La Francophonie, is yet another expression of Armenia's readiness to make La Francophonie recognized in all its dimensions.

Heralding the launch of the two-month Francophonie season, I would like to extend words of gratitude to Armenia's state agencies, embassies of member and observer states of La Francophonie accredited to Armenia and Francophone institutions, which had their significant input in preparatory works of the two-month Francophonie season of La Francophonie in Armenia.

I wish every success to this important cultural event.

Edward Nalbandian
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Armenia