The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth, Mr Prodromos Prodromou, together with the Ambassador of the French Republic to Cyprus, Ms Salina Grenet-Catalano, the Ambassador of Greece, Mr. Ioannis Papameletiou, the First Secretary of the Embassy of Lebanon Mrs. Queen Maryl Salame, the Chargé d'Affaires of Switzerland Mrs. Androulla Michael and the President's Representative to the Permanent Council of Francophonie Mr. Mr. Andreas Pirissiis held a press conference today to present the programme of events of the "Francophonie Season 2022".
Mr. In his initial statement, Prodromou expressed the Cyprus Government's absolute opposition to Russia's armed attack against Ukraine, calling it a "blatant violation of international law, the sovereignty of countries and the freedom of peoples" and underlining his expectation for a practical demonstration of solidarity by the international community.
In his greeting, the Minister of Education underlined the important role played by the Organisation of Francophonie, particularly in times such as those we are currently experiencing, with challenges that undermine international stability and security and "when peace is once again proving fragile". As the Organisation of Francophonie said, "it is not just a linguistic community", but a community whose work defends universal values such as freedom and democracy. In his speech, he also spoke of the new bright period that is opening up in the relations between France and Cyprus in the field of education and culture, with the extension of the French language in schools, the signing of new memoranda of understanding and the establishment of a branch of the French Cypriot School in Limassol. Finally, he referred to the active participation of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth in the organization of events and activities for the celebrations of Francophonie 2022, stating that "in this really very difficult moment and circumstance, [...] we express our will to make music, poetry, colours and recitation in French be heard louder than the drums of war".
_________
You can find out about the programme of the Francophone Season at the link: Programme Saison Francophonie 2022 (ifchypre.org)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
