Skopje, 23 April 2025 (MIA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade hosted a panel discussion on “The Role of La Francophonie in the World and the Region” as part of Francophonie Month.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, delivered the opening address, the Ministry confirmed.

The panel discussion features the participation of ambassadors from several Francophone countries accredited in the Republic of North Macedonia, including France, Switzerland, Romania and Greece. In their remarks, the ambassador emphasized the importance of La Francophonie as a platform for multilateralism and cultural diversity.

The panel focused on the significance of La Francophonie as a community of shared values, cultural dialogue and solidarity, with particular emphasis on its role in the current geopolitical and regional context.

“La Francophonie is not merely a linguistic community, but above all a community of values – dialogue, equality, respect and cooperation. In times of global challenges, these values are more important than ever, serving as a guide for stability and development in our region and beyond,” Mucunski said.

Minister Mucunski added that membership in La Francophonie is viewed as an opportunity to affirm the Macedonian identity, language, history, and rich cultural heritage, as well as the core values of modern Macedonian society - peace, democracy, tolerance, and solidarity. He also underscored that the French language is not only part of our history but an inseparable part of our European future.

In their addresses, the diplomatic representatives of the Francophone countries emphasized that La Francophonie provides a strong foundation for building bridges between cultures, supporting peace and democracy, and promoting education, youth opportunities, and gender equality. They also underlined the importance of deepening regional cooperation in the spirit of Francophone values.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade