Cairo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Expatriates organized a celebration to launch the activities of the 5th session of La Francophonie Month for 2026 in Egypt at the Egyptian Diplomatic Club, in cooperation with representatives of the International Organization of La Francophonie in the Middle East and a group of ambassadors from member states of the International Organization of La Francophonie accredited to Egypt.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Ambassador Fatima El-Zahraa Etman conveyed President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's wishes for peace and prosperity to Francophone nations. She emphasized the significance of the annual celebration for the IOF's 348 million French speakers, reinforcing their connection and shared identity. She also highlighted the IOF's role in promoting peace, dialogue, and development.
Assistant Foreign Minister Amr El-Sherbini affirmed Egypt's commitment to the IOF's principles, noting its pivotal role as a bridge between Africa, the Arab world, and the Francophone sphere.
The IOF representative mentioned the upcoming summit in Cambodia in November 2026, which will focus on sustainable development. The Romanian and French ambassadors highlighted the role of the IOF and the French language in promoting dialogue, peace, democracy, human rights, equality, education, and sustainable development.
The event concluded with an overview of the Francophonie Month program, the announcement of the winners of a literary residency grant in Villers-Cotterªts International, and a celebration of the centenary of director Youssef Chahine, featuring a short documentary about his life.
The event was attended by representatives from the IOF, Romanian Ambassador Olivia Tudorica (head of the IOF ambassadors group in Cairo for 2026), French Ambassador Eric Chevalier, other Francophone ambassadors and embassy representatives, diplomatic and media figures, and representatives of French companies in Egypt.
Francophonie Month, featuring numerous cultural and artistic activities in Cairo and Alexandria, will continue until the end of April 2026.