President Michel Aoun emphasized Lebanon's dedication to the French language and the values of Francophonie: respect for human rights, cultural and linguistic diversity, freedom of expression, and the strengthening of democracy.
He stated that "these values are currently facing severe challenges in various regions of the world, and Lebanon retains hope in returning to them, as they remain the only path to dialogue that ensures peace and directs humanity towards a better world. The unprecedented crises shaking Lebanon at present will not deter it from fulfilling its role in preserving the French language."
President Aoun's remarks came in a speech delivered on the occasion of International Francophonie Day, celebrated on March 20, which marks the establishment of the organization in 1970.
Below is the text of his speech: "On this day celebrating Francophonie, I extend my sincere wishes to French speakers in Lebanon and around the world. It pleases me to recall, on this occasion, Lebanon's attachment to the French language and the values it embodies: respect for human rights, cultural and linguistic diversity, freedom of expression, and the strengthening of democracy.
Currently, these values are facing severe blows in various regions of the world. Lebanon, however, retains hope in returning to them, as they remain the only path to dialogue that guarantees peace and guides humanity towards a better world.
Lebanon renews its commitment to work within Francophonie institutions, continuing its historic role in preserving the French language, which is a fundamental component of its cultural identity, and in promoting it at national, regional, and international levels. The unprecedented crises currently affecting Lebanon will not prevent it from fulfilling this role. The imminent opening in Beirut of the International Organization of Francophonie's representative office for the Middle East in the premises provided by the Lebanese authorities is a testament to this ongoing commitment to various projects being implemented throughout the Francophone world."
