Signature of the Joint Document concerning the Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)

May 29, 2008

On May 29 (Thursday) in Yokohama, a signing ceremony of the Joint Document concerning the Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) at the occasion of the TICAD IV was held between Mr. Itsunori Onodera, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs representing Japan, and Mr. Ousmane Paye, Special Councilor representing the Organisation.
During the dialogue following the signing ceremony,

(1) Mr. Paye expressed his hope that cooperation between Japan and the OIF would bring more effect for efforts made by both sides in the broad field of activities of the OIF. He made invitation for Japan to the Francophonie Summit held in Quebec, Canada in October.

(2) Mr. Onodera expressed his intention to cooperate with the OIF in various issues, highly appreciating its activities such as promoting cultural and linguistic diversity. In particular, concerning the CLAC (Centre de lecture et d’animation culturelle) Project, a project to establish centers for the purpose of library and cultural facility under the initiative of the OIF, he appreciated great contribution made by this project for the development of education in Africa and expressed his intention to build up projects together in which Japan could cooperate in this field.
He expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the Francophonie Summit, in which Japan was invited to participate for the first time. He expressed Japan’s intention to seek further support and cooperation by many Farancophone countries, while Japan assumes increasing important roles in international society, including the United Nations.

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