Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Secretary General of International Organization of La Francophonie Michaëlle Jean.

Welcoming the guest, the Prime Minister said, “Holding the 17th Summit of La Francophonie in Armenia is a great honor and responsibility for us. This is the largest ever international event held in our country. We highly appreciate this opportunity and hope that the OIF will be stronger and more consolidated following the Summit,.” Nikol Pashinyan stressed that the Government of Armenia is doing everything necessary to prepare for the Summit so that its atmosphere and organizational level could live up to the Living Together slogan.

Thankful for the warm welcome, Michaëlle Jean expressed confidence that as an important player and partner of La Francophonie, Armenia will hold the 17th summit at the highest possible level. She pointed out that her organization is well poised to develop cooperation between member countries, and active efforts need to be made to tap its full potential.

The parties discussed organizational issues related to the upcoming summit in Yerevan. In this context, they singled out the scheduled forum on innovations to be held at TUMO Creative Technologies Center. The forum is expected to lead to the formation of a network of francophone ministers dealing with digital technologies.

Nikol Pashinyan stressed that Armenia boasts great potential in innovations, information and high technologies, and in this respect, the forum is a good opportunity to exchange experience and know-how on the development of digital governance. The interlocutors agreed that the scheduled business forum on economic cooperation will help establish and expand economic ties between member countries.

Nikol Pashinyan and Michaëlle Jean highlighted the role of the Organization of La Francophonie in promoting the French language and OIF’s common values. The Prime Minister of Armenia highly appreciated Michaëlle Jean’s personal contribution to the strengthening and development of OIF-Armenia relationship during her tenure.