RA ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan received today the ambassadors of seven member countries of French-speaking international organizations in Armenia and members of Francophonie international organizations and observer states under the chairmanship of Swiss Ambassador to Armenia Lukas Rosenkranz.

ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan also attended the meeting.

The programs and events implemented within the framework of the International Francophonie Day and the two-month activities were discussed at the meeting.

Welcoming the Ambassadors, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan noted: “We emphasize the experience of cooperation with francophone countries, accumulated during the years of Armenia's presidency of the International Organization of La Francophonie. During this time, firm bases have been created for a more coordinated and efficient implementation of our further activities. It should definitely be stated that the French language and Francophone values are one indivisible unity.”

The Minister informed that a number of events in French are planned in all educational institutions of the Republic of Armenia on the occasion of the National Day of France and the International Day of Francophonie, which, according to Zhanna Andreasyan, contributes to the dissemination of Francophone culture and values, and the advancement of the language, as well as provides an opportunity for students to cooperate within this framework and  demonstrate   their  language skills and capacities.

Zhanna Andreasyan singled out 2 main events: the opening of the International Francophonie Day is scheduled for March 20 at the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall. A special concert program will be presented: Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra will perform with a guest soloist.

According to Zhanna Andreasyan, the 2nd special event is planned in Gyumri on the initiative of School №1 of Gyumri. Pupils of “Hayordats Tun” choir and Gyumri State Symphony Orchestra will perform, and French music will be played. A thematic mosaic and a feast of French national cuisine are also planned. According to the Minister, this particular school can become the envisaged francophone school in Gyumri.

Thankful for the reception, the Swiss Ambassador highly appreciated the fact that Armenia assumed the presidency of the International Organization of la Francophonie in 2018-2022, during a period full of challenges.

The Ambassadors presented the activities envisaged within the two-month period, which will be implemented in various formats and in different institutions. Thus, a series of lectures on the topic “Women in diplomacy” will be held at the French University of Armenia, at which the Ambassadors of Francophonie will deliver speeches. A Francophone film festival will be organized, where French, Belgian, Canadian, and Serbian films with subtitles will be screened. A concert will be held with the State Chamber Orchestra of Armenia. Within cooperation with the ESCS Ministry, it is also planned to hold a “Tell me 10 words in all tenses” contest in public schools.

Further steps for the implementation of the events will be discussed through working discussions.