Ahead of the conference of Francophonie. Nalbandian on the importance of living together

As it is known, Armenia was chosen as the 2018 the host country of the Francophonie Summit to be held on October 11-12, which will preside over this highest instance of the Francophonie for two years.

RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference, Edward Nalbandyan, announced at the session of the FCA Political Affairs Committee in Yerevan today that Armenia proudly accepted the decision of the leaders of Francophonie member states and governments to choose Armenia as the host country for the XVII Francophonie Summit. This choice is a sign of solidarity, Armenia’s commitment to serving the Francophonie, Francophone values, and appreciation of the activities carried out for the spread of the Francophonie in our region. This decision was also made in 2015. After the success of the 31st Francophonie Ministerial Conference in Yerevan.

“This meeting provides an opportunity to present to you the priorities set by Armenia in the preparations for the Summit. The summit will be held under the theme “Living together”, “Living together respecting solidarity, humanitarian values ​​and diversity as a basis for peace and prosperity in the Francophone region”. The theme “Living Together” was chosen taking into account the realities existing within Francophonie, I would say even at the international level. We are convinced that by “Living together” respecting the humanitarian values ​​we share, it is possible to contribute to our societies. to the further strengthening of unity and peace and well-being in the Francophone area,” said the RA Foreign Minister.

According to him, the concept of “living together” is well known to the Armenian people, Armenians living in more than a hundred countries of the world have been able to fully integrate into the societies of their host countries, at the same time preserving their national identity and emphasizing the importance of the ability to live together in the spirit of mutual respect, harmony, solidarity, and diversity. Nalbandyan noted that he also expects to work towards creating a new fundamental document of the Francophonie entitled “Living Together”, where the principles and values ​​of the “Living Together” vision can be comprehensively laid down: human rights, democracy, equality of women and men, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, the fight against all forms of radicalization and violent extremism that feed terrorism, xenophobia, hateful ideology, intolerance and discrimination.

“From this point of view, we want the Francophonie youth network to participate in this event and contribute to the creation of this document,” he said.

Edward Nalbandian also added that one of the important events of the summit, which they intend to organize, is the Economic Forum of Francophonie. According to the minister, great importance is attached to the consolidation of Francophone enterprises and professional, institutional networks from the point of view of promoting economic ties and improving the business environment. Armenia aims to establish a network of francophone businessmen during the summit.