Mushikiwabo highlights Egypt's role in supporting Francophonie organization

CAIRO - 8 May 2019: Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received in Cairo Louise Mushikiwabo, the newly-appointed Secretary-General of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF), on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Mushikiwabo expressed thanks to Egypt for its historic support for the OIF, affirming the importance and centrality of the Egyptian role at the regional level, and within the organization, presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said.

President Sisi affirmed his keenness to strengthen cooperation with the OIF to meet the aspirations of the peoples of the developing countries. The President also expressed Egypt's readiness, through its position as the chairman of the African Union, to provide the necessary expertise to the OIF.


President Sisi received in Cairo Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary-General of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) - Press photo

He also welcomed a tripartite cooperation to support the African countries in various fields, especially the youth, women, entrepreneurship and combating extremism.

The president congratulated Mushikiwabo for her assumption of the secretary general of the OIF post since January this year, according to Radi.

The meeting reviewed cooperation history between Egypt and the OIF, Radi said, adding that Mushikiwabo thanked the support provided by Egypt to the University of Sangour, which was established in 1989 in Alexandria.

She noted that the University represents as one of the most prominent educational and cultural organizations, stressing the OIF's keenness to develop the university to become a center for scientific innovation.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of continuing the OIF's role in assisting its member states who experience crises, and also underscored Egypt's readiness to provide assistance in order to help these countries overcome the challenges they face in light of Egypt's role in the African continent, and in peace-building.

Established in 1970, the OIF is an international institution that aims to promote the French language and universal values. With 54 full members, 7 associate members, and 27 observers, the OIF represents states and regions where French is a customary language.