RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan met with the newly appointed Regional Director of the Francophone University Agency in Central and Eastern Europe, Laure Kasten.

ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan also participated in the meeting.

Minister Zhanna Andreasyan congratulated Laure Kasten on her appointment as Regional Director of the Francophone University Agency in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Minister emphasized the significance of fostering collaboration within the Francophonie framework, pointing out that new projects and bilateral initiatives have increased recently, facilitated in particular by the working group set up to better organize cooperation in the fields of culture and education.

“We attach great importance to the advancement of Francophonie in Armenia,” the ESCS Minister said, presenting the activities of the working group.

Zhanna Andreasyan also touched upon the programs aimed at the advanced study of the French language in general education institutions, which are implemented in collaboration with the French Embassy in Armenia.

Additionally, the Minister emphasized the significance of the “Promotion of the French Language in Armenia” pilot program, which aims to establish a group to train teachers of French as a foreign language. It was noted that 6 universities in Armenia are members of the Francophone University Agency (AUF).

Laure Kasten expressed gratitude for the reception and emphasized her willingness to discuss the proposals and collaborate on their execution.

During the meeting, reference was made to holding the 10th Francophonie Games in 2027 in Armenia. It was also proposed to discuss the potential of implementing French language development programs in the youth centres of regions.

In this context, the significance of student and youth mobility was highlighted, along with the implementation of projects such as exchange programs and joint research.

Other issues of mutual interest were also addressed at the meeting.