Qatar has participated in the 36th session of the Ministerial Conference of the International Organisation of la Francophonie (OIF), held in Monaco, under the chairmanship of International Organisation of la Francopho secretary-general Louise Mushikiwabo.
Qatar’s delegation was led by HE the Minister of State Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari.
The conference was also attended by Minister of State of Monaco Serge Telle, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan who is also the current chairman of the Ministerial Council of la Francophonie, as well as ministers representing the members of the International Organisation of la Francophonie.
HE Dr al-Kuwari said that this conference is important in the history of the organisation’s as it comes just a few months before the Francophone Summit in Tunisia, and aims to develop a vision for the Francophone Organisation for the next 50 years.
HE Dr al-Kuwari said that with rapid changes and increasing needs in today’s world, it is necessary to assess what the organisation has accomplished and develop a strategic vision of what it can achieve in the future for the Francophone space.
“This expected institutional reform also requires priority to support innovation and digital development in Francophone space,” he said noting that the organisation must take into account the urgent need to support environmental transformation and sustainable development in order to build an economic model that achieves growth without harming nature and biodiversity.
HE Dr al-Kuwari also stressed that Qatar has given priority to Francophone states, particularly in Africa.
He noted that 2020 will also be the year of the cultural year between Qatar and France, where a number of cultural events will be held in both countries over the next year.
He said that Qatar intends to organise a special event in France in March 2020 to celebrate the Francophone Day after co-ordination with the secretary general of the organisation and the French Foreign Ministry. (QNA)
