LOC23:50
20:50 GMT
His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah addresses the function held by the French embassy to mark the International Francophonie Day
KUWAIT, March 18 (KUNA) -- Kuwait is eager to strengthen cultural ties with the Francophone countries in the coming years, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said Sunday.
In a speech at a function held late today by the French embassy in Kuwait to mark the International Francophonie Day, His Highness Sheikh Nasser emphasized the significance of the day as a cultural occasion through which people express admiration for the French language.
He hoped Kuwait and Gulf countries would have more French speakers in the near future.
His Highness Sheikh Nasser described Kuwaitis as open-minded people who easily interact with other cultures.
Kuwaiti people have been interacted with the cultures of Indian Ocean nations and became open for other peoples, languages, cultures and ideas, he said.
He added that Kuwaitis love the exchange of new ideas, views and visions.
He lauded Kuwait's strong diplomatic relations with the Francophone countries, recalling their supportive stances during the plight of the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait.
He expressed his pleasure for Kuwait's hosting of the French Center for Archeology and Social Sciences, which is active in exploring the Arabian Peninsula to discover its ancient civilizations.
For her part, France's Ambassador to the country Marie Masdupuy stated that one of her important goals when she assumed her post here is to help Kuwait become an observer member of International Organisation of La Francophonie.
French President Emmanuel Macaron will announce in the coming days after consultation with all his Francophone partners a major plan for overhauling Francophone organization for better sharing of ideas, values and spreading of the French language, the world's second most spoken language after English, she disclosed.
The International Francophonie Day is observed within the International Organization of La Francophonie's 77 member states every March 20 to celebrate the French language and Francophone culture. There are over 369 million French speakers on Earth.
The date celebrates the signing of the Niamey Convention in Niger on 20 March 1970. The convention established the Agence de Coopأ©ration Culturelle et Technique, the precursor to the International Organization of La Francophonie. (end)
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