Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called a consultative meeting to discuss the ongoing preparations for the 17th summit of Francophone States and Governments to be held this fall in Armenia.

The Premier reiterated the need for holding the Summit at the highest possible level. “We have a large list of foreign guests: dozens of heads of State and government are expected to arrive in Armenia. To offer them a comfortable stay and security is crucial for us. The proper organization and holding of that large-scale landmark event in Armenia is a serious challenge and a matter of honor for our country: even the most reasonable shortcomings will be deemed unacceptable, and we must live up to the mark,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

The members of the working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan reported to the Prime Minister about the work being done to provide infrastructure and other technical issues. They stressed that the preparations are going on according to the proposed timetable, with appropriate decisions made on all emerging issues. French-speaking volunteers will also be involved to provide for the best possible organization of events.

Three days before the launch of the two-day summit, the Foreign Ministers’ Conference will be held, preceded by a meeting of the Permanent Council. A business forum shall be held on the Summit’s margins that will bring together some 350 companies and businesses from Francophone countries. Several memorandums of cooperation will be signed during the Summit.

A Francophone town will be set up, a gala concert will be held and a State dinner will be hosted in honor of the official delegations. Work on the new fundamental document of La Francophonie referred to as the Living Together Pact shall be presented.

The Francophone Journalists’ Congress will be held on the sidelines of the Summit. Journalists from different countries have already submitted applications for attending the media coverage of events. The Summit’s logo was said to have already been developed and approved in addition to the Living Together motto and a special web site.

Prime Minister Pashinyan issued appropriate instructions for the responsible officials and stressed the need for doing coordinated work in a bid to address all possible problems and find prompt solutions.