Moldovan diplomacy head participates in Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie

Chisinau, 30 October /MOLDPRES/ – The commitment of Moldova as promoter  of Francophone values, implementation of the linguistic pact signed with the International Organisation of La Francophonie, but also creation of new academic and professional opportunities for young francophones, were the issues addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Nicu Popescu, at the 36th Ministerial Conference of Francophonie, which brings together the 88 member states and Governments of the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF), the MAEIE’s public diplomacy, strategic communication and media interaction service has reported.

In the context in which the 50th anniversary of Francophonie will be celebrated in 2020, Minister Nicu Popescu has outlined the need to launch a reflection on the new strategic orientations of organisation, its role and impact on the new generation of young Francophones. "Francophony is an opportunity for Moldova to assert its role as promoter of the values ​​we share at European and universal level. We are convinced that through better cooperation, responding to the challenges and demands of modern world, we shall be able to ensure a reconciliation of the interests of our society with the urgent need to ensure the sustainable development of the planet, stability of our states and prosperity of our citizens”, said the head of the Moldovan diplomacy.

In his speech, Nicu Popescu has reiterated the commitment of Moldova as a promoter of Francophone values, including in the context of the implementation of the linguistic Pact signed with OIF. Over 126,000 pupils from 800 general education institutions of Moldova (70 per cent of all school institutions) study French, and half of the cabinet of the new Government in Chisinau are francophones. In this context, Minister Popescu has called for strengthening of OIF actions and programmes aimed at promoting French language and quality education, creating new academic and professional opportunities for young Francophones, including throughout mobility programmes between Francophone regions.

The 36th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie takes place on 30 – 31 October, in Monaco. The theme of this year meeting – Reconciling humanity and the planet: perspectives in the Francophone space on the eve of the 50th anniversary of OIF – offered the opportunity to address the ways of consolidating the role of OIF in the context of political, economic and social challenges with which the francophone area is facing but also the need to consolidate the actions in order to protect the environment and to combat climate change, ensure access to a quality education and promote the French language.