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“Armenia has mobilized all its capabilities, in order to ensure the success of the XVII Summit of La Francophonie,” the country’s FM Edward Nalbandian stated during a meeting on preparations for the Yerevan Summit of La Francophonie.

To note, Armenia is set to host the 2018 Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) which is a major event that would bring to Yerevan numerous high-level delegations from Francophone countries. By the Decree of the President of the Republic, an Interagency Commission, headed by the Prime Minister of Armenia, was created for coordination of preparations for the Summit.

According to the preliminary schedule, suggested by the Armenian side, the Summit will be held on October 11-12. 2018. October 7 is scheduled for the Permanent Council of La Francophonie, October 8-9 for the sessions of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference.

The logotype of the summit is pomegranate which has a special symbol in the Armenian culture, the minister said adding: “We would like to continue the Madagascar Summit initiative and encourage the participation of youth in the meetings of statutory bodies of La Francophonie to be held in Yerevan. We would like for this high-level meeting to become a major unifying event through cultural programmes, among memorable events of which will be the gala concert with the participation of prominent francophone singers scheduled for October 11, at the end of the first day of the Summit before the state dinner.

The general theme of the Summit, is suggested "Living Together". "Living together in solidarity, sharing humanistic values and respecting diversity as a source for peace and prosperity in the francophone area." We are convinced that it can contribute to the further strengthening of unity of our societies,” the minister explained.

The minister next voiced an intention to work on the “Living Together” Covenant   as a new fundamental document for the organization where the participants can enshrine in a comprehensive manner the principles and values of "Living Together" - human rights, democracy, cooperation, education, digital economy, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, fight against radicalization and violent extremism leading to terrorism, xenophobia, hate speech, intolerance and discrimination.

Among the important events within the framework of the Summit is the organization of an Economic Forum of La Francophonie aimed at encouraging business contacts, to hold discussions on the development challenges and perspectives in accordance with the Economic Strategy of La Francophonie.

Nalbandian wished the youth to join the initiative in contributing to the design of the suggested document.