The International Day of Francophonie was celebrated at the National Archaeological Museum with a concert by the Bulgarian-French trio "Orenda"
21 March 2025 News
"Francophonie is a universe of languages, cultures, traditions and human connections. This is its greatest charm and attraction." With these words, Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev addressed the attendees at the opening of the concert organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and performed by the Bulgarian-French trio "Orenda", in celebration of the International Day of Francophonie – 20 March.
Georg Georgiev recalled that the French language has traditionally been the language of culture, arts, fashion, education, science and diplomacy. "Nowadays, French is increasingly becoming the language of entrepreneurship, new technologies, sustainable development and social networks. This opens up new opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, trade and investment between countries that are geographically distant, but united by the French language, universal human values, and a shared desire for a better future," he further emphasised.
In his address, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister also noted that the French language symbolises humanity's eternal struggle for freedom and social justice, emphasising that for all of us, as citizens, it is important to continue efforts to uphold equality, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
Mr Georgiev recalled that the celebration of the French language and the Francophone community is being marked for the 55th time this year, with the tradition dating back to 20 March 1970, when 21 countries established the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation in Niger, the predecessor of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Today, this holiday is celebrated by 320 million people in 93 countries and territories on 5 continents.
The Foreign Minister also pointed out that for the second consecutive year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supporting the campaign "Let's follow in French in Bulgarian Universities", which is organised jointly by the University Agency of Francophonie, the Association of Teachers of and in French in Bulgaria, Francophone programmes in Bulgarian universities, the Ministry of Education and Science, the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Embassy of the French Republic and the French Institute.
The event was honoured by the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mrs. Iliana Yotova. It was also attended by numerous diplomats, representatives of academic circles, cultural figures and public personalities.
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