Luanda - Angola was admitted on Saturday in Paris as an observer member of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF).
The decision was announced during the OIF Summit, which took place in Paris, and was attended by leaders and delegations from French-speaking countries around the world.
This important milestone reaffirms Angola's commitment to the principles of the Francophonie and multilateral cooperation.
Angola's acceptance as an observer member was the result of a closed-door session, where OIF member countries discussed applications for new members and changes in status.
On the occasion of this decision, the Minister of State for the Social Area, Maria do Rosário Bragança, representing the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, gave the speech of the Angolan delegation and expressed 'the country's pride and commitment to the organization, noting that this is a step that is not only relevant in the context of international relations, but which is also deeply reflected in the cultural and political identity of our country.
'Angola's accession to this French-speaking space is not only a search for interaction with the French-speaking world, it is also a mission to strengthen its insertion in the contemporary world, where cooperation between nations is fundamental for sustainable development,' she said.
The minister highlighted the significance of Angola's accession to the OIF, noting that this step reveals Angola's willingness to diversify partnerships, exploring the potential of the Francophonie economic area and the richness of interculturality.
'It is our simple wish that we can work, increasingly united, so that the voice of Angola is heard in the concerts of French-speaking nations, thus contributing to the construction of a world that embraces diversity, fosters inclusion and celebrates the cultural richness of our peoples,' she said.
A total of nine applications were solicited, with Ghana and Cyprus and observer members approved as full members, in addition to Angola, Chile, Nova Scotia in Canada, New Caledonia and the State of Saarland in Germany.
Serbia and Kosovo were refused full membership.
With this new status, Angola strengthens its presence on the international stage, promoting cultural, linguistic and economic exchanges with the French-speaking world.
The 19th Francophonie Summit, which began on Friday, continued this Saturday with discussions on topics of global relevance, such as multilateralism and innovation in the French-speaking space.
In addition, parallel events such as the Francophonie Festival and the Francophonie Village, open to all delegations, provide opportunities for cultural and technological exchange until the end of tomorrow.
The closing session took place in the late afternoon, with the adoption of the Summit Declaration and other resolutions on political and peace issues in the French-speaking area. FMA/ART/DOJ
