Laos celebrates International Francophonie Day

More than 400 people attended events to mark International Francophonie Day yesterday at the National University of Laos.

Participants included various ministers, deputy ministers, senior officials, ambassadors of French-speaking countries to Laos, and French students and teachers.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavath Boupha, who chaired the ceremony, gave a speech emphasising the importance of International Francophonie Day and the role of the International Francophonie Organisation in the world.

He pointed out the success of the 23 rd Francophonie Ministerial Meeting held in Vientiane last year, in particular the widespread approval of the topic “French is a tool of solidarity and promotes cultural and language diversity”, proposed by Lao officials.

The success of that meeting encouraged the promotion of French language learning projects in the Southeast Asia region and provided a good model for other regions in the world.

Mr Phongsavath also highlighted the growing number of people speaking French in Laos.

French ambassador to Laos Francois Senemaud, Cambodian ambassador to Laos Yi Dan and Vietnamese ambassador to Laos Nguyen Huy Quang also delivered speeches at the event.

To lend a cheerful atmosphere to the occasion, the organising committee arranged singing, drama, and poetry competitions, as well as question and answer sessions. Competition winners received gifts.

Attendees also admired a photo exhibition showing activities that took place during the 23 rd Francophonie Ministerial Meeting, including speeches by President Choummaly Sayasone and the Secretary General of the International Francophonie Organisation, Mr Abdou Diouf.

International Francophonie Day celebrations are held every year in Laos. This year, Laos organised a week of Francophonie events from March 17-26 with activities conducted in Vientiane and in Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces.

Activities included cultural, sports and educational events arranged by organisations including the Ministry of Education, National University of Laos and the French Embassy.

The International Francophonie Organisation was established on March 20, 1970, by an agreement between the leaders of 21 French speaking countries. The organisation aims to promote and increase cultural cooperation among French speaking countries.