The participants were briefed about the goals and key items on the agenda of the Francophonie Summit to be held on 26 and 27 November 2016 in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital city.
The Chairperson of UNESCO's Francophone Group for 2016 Andriamanjato stressed that intercultural dialogue, goals for maintaining international peace and security throughout the world as well as economic, scientific and technological progress linked our two countries. This year, the Francophonie Summit in Madagascar will focus on growth and responsible development, which present a valuable opportunity for economic development of Madagascar and the Indian Ocean region.
The Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Andrius Krivas welcomed the participants of the event. He highlighted the meaningful activities of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, which contributed to the promotion of democracy, peaceful development of the countries and efforts to strengthen their means of cultural expression and intercultural dialogue. The participation in the activities of this organization creates favourable conditions for youth exchange, strengthened French-language teaching and learning about French-speaking cultures.
The cooperation between the two countries within the framework of other international organizations, in particular UNESCO, was emphasized. Currently, Lithuania and Madagascar work within two UNESCO Intergovernmental Committees – the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions and the Bioethics Committee. The two countries dedicate a lot of attention to the protection of objects inscribed on the World Heritage List.
An exhibition on Madagascar's history and architecture, customs and traditions, art and culture was opened on this occasion.
During the event, the participants expressed their solidarity with Belgium and honoured the victims of Brussels terror attacks.
The International Organisation of La Francophonie brings together French-speakers from 80 member states. Lithuania was granted observer status in 1999.
