Attending the 43rd Ministerial Council of the Francophonie, taking place in Djerba, Moldovan foreign minister Nicu Popescu made a call for a renewed commitment to the Francophonie values, and namely democracy, peace, and respect for international law, which, in his opinion, are more and more often violated in the Francophonie space and elsewhere around the world.

Popescu reiterated the importance of solidarity of the Francophone family in the face of the illegal, unjustified and unprovoked military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, an OIF observer state, as well as the need to cooperate in order to reduce the impact of the multiple crises that deeply affect the countries.

During the Djerba Conference, the Moldovan official welcomed the reform of the International Organization of the Francophonie to modernize and respond to the challenges and aspirations of the citizens of Francophone countries, with due attention to youth and gender equality.

“I emphasized our country’s determination towards a world based on rules, multilateralism, cooperation and dialogue, and I expressed to my counterparts our country’s determination to advance on the path of European integration. Together with France, Belgium, Canada, Francophone countries that host important communities of our people, we demonstrate in a concrete way how our attachment to the Francophone space helps us to promote and expand partnerships for the benefit of our citizens, on the path of modernization and anchoring in our European future”, noted Nicu Popescu.

The official added that, as an active member of the OIF, the Republic of Moldova will intensify its efforts so that the French language remains a development tool for young people in schools and universities and a vibrant link between the cultural environments of Francophone countries.