President Lao PDR urges use of French to maintain peace

PRESIDENT Choummaly Sayasone urged delegates of the 23rd Ministerial
Conference of French-speaking countries to do their best when
discussing how to use the French language as a tool for solidarity, to
ensure the conference achieves its objectives.

"This topic is very significant for the continuation of our
cooperation within Francophonie frameworks," said President Choummaly
during his speech.

The plenary session of the ministerial conference began yesterday at
the Don Chan Palace and is scheduled to end today; the main point of
discussion is the French language as a tool for solidarity and the
promotion and expansion of cultural and language diversities.

President Choummaly explained that language can be used as a tool to
ensure effective communication, which is why every delegate should pay
attention when discussing and exchanging ideas to determine actual
measures to promote cooperation between different cultures.

He said cooperation in cultural and social realms is one of the main
opportunities for the global community to learn and understand each
other, adding that cultural and language exchanges help people to stay
close to each other, and benefit in the long term.

He said there was still misunderstanding between different cultures
and religions which was causing conflict throughout the world.

"The world in which we live is full of challenges, and various regions
around the world are under threat from combat and disputes; these are
obstacles for social and economic development in those regions," he
said.

Over three decades, the International Francophonie Organisation has
been active in the international arena in helping to maintain peace
and sustain development, he said.

President Choummaly said the world community, and especially the
International Francophonie Organisation, had an important role in
determining solutions to conflict to ensure peace and security in the
world.

He pointed out that during the 11th Francophonie Summit in Romania,
members reaffirmed their intention to maintain peace, improve security
and promote sustainable development through the establishment of multi-
nation organisations with democracy and laws.

He also said that respecting democracy and each country's territorial
integrity was the only effective way to overcome challenges.

President Choummaly said the Lao government recognised the importance
of cooperation within the Francophonie framework, especially in the
areas of education, public health, law and culture, which has brought
real benefits to the government and its people.

He added that the cooperation of Laos with the Francophonie
organisation in these areas has greatly contributed to the Lao socio-
economic development process.

"We will continue to do everything as a member of the Francophonie
organisation to fulfil the goals and objectives of the organisation,"
he said.


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