Skopje, 25 February 2025 (MIA) - This year's edition of the Francophonie Month will begin on March 7 in Skopje with a gala opening and a premiere screening of "The Count of Monte Cristo". The cultural program for the Francophonie Month has been prepared by the Skopje-based French Institute in cooperation with the Embassies of Francophonie member countries, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University and the Faculty of Philology. The Youth Francophone Parliament will see its third edition in cooperation with the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia, and the program also features exhibition of the French Collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 

The cultural program and other activities to celebrate the Francophonie, which will take place in March and early April 2025, were presented Wednesday by French Ambassador Christophe Le Rigoleur, Swiss Ambassador Véronique Hulmann, Romanian Ambassador Adela Monica Axinte, and Greek Ambassador Sophia Philippidou.

Ambassador Le Rigoleur pointed out that the Francophonie is a common linguistic space, as well as a space of values. More than 300 million people speak French worldwide. But the Francophonie as an international organization is not only a linguistic community, but also a political organization with 93 member states and governments, and North Macedonia has been one of the member states since 2006, i.e. for more than 20 years.

"Promoting the French language is truly an essential link in France's foreign policy, which is why we have many French cultural institutes around the world. In the country, it has existed for 50 years... We want to highlight educational cooperation, to encourage students to learn French as a second language. Because French is not only a language of culture, it is a language of the future, of innovation, of entrepreneurship. This was also highlighted at the recent Francophonie Summit in France, last October," said the Ambassador. 

He noted that the Francophonie places particular focus on protecting its values, as well as on protecting human rights.

"Francophonie is also a set of values, not just a language that we share. Values ​​for human rights, the rule of law, cultural diversity. In a world where many actors are questioning the values ​​on which our world and the international scene are based, it is important to remember that we have common values, which we need to further promote," the French Ambassador said, calling on the authorities in the country to be even more active within the International Organization of La Francophonie.

Swiss Ambassador Véronique Hulmann pointed out that in her country, French, along with German and Italian, are the three official languages ​​that symbolize multilingualism and cultural diversity, and all are treated equally. She announced that as part of the Francophonie Month, the Swiss Embassy will participate in activities with schools, and the film "Dog on Trial", a satire on animal rights and pets, will also be screened. 

Romanian Ambassador Adela Monica Axinte said Romania was a champion in terms of the Francophonie. 

"We are very proud to be Francophones, even though French is not an official language in Romania. For us, Francophonie is synonymous with linguistic diversity, openness to the world, linguistic and cultural wealth. Romania is truly a champion in terms of Francophonie in the Central and Eastern European region," said Axinte, mentioning institutional activities in her country in terms of Francophonie.

Greek Ambassador Sophia Philippidou said the Greek Embassy participates in Francophonie Month activities with particular enthusiasm. They have chosen three texts by three Greek authors regarding which students will be assessed in reading excellence, and the French-Greek film "Riviera",which will open the Francophone Film Week at the Cinematheque on March 21, will also be shown. 

Francophonie member states representatives contributing to the program, including the Honorary Consul of Belgium, the Honorary Consul of Canada, and the First Secretary at the Embassy of Bulgaria, also addressed the event. 

Photo: MIA