French nationals in Fiji celebrated Francophonie last night aboard the French Navy ship Vendémiaire, marking a memorable event hosted by the French Navy. The celebration was attended by a notable gathering that included members of the diplomatic corps, Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua, Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka, and officers from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
This visit by the Vendémiaire is significant as it is the ship’s second trip to Fiji since 2022. The event highlighted the establishment of the International Organization of La Francophonie, celebrated on March 20, which aims to promote the French language and foster cooperation among its 88 member states across various sectors, including political, educational, economic, and cultural domains.
Captain Gauthier Guilliaumat stressed the event’s importance for strengthening the bilateral ties between France and Fiji, particularly focusing on collaborative efforts to bolster the capabilities within the Fiji Navy. French Ambassador Julie Le Saos emphasized the impact of Francophonie in the Pacific region, stating, “Francophonie is a community of those who share a deep connection with the French language.” She highlighted that French is spoken by 321 million people globally, making it one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Looking ahead, the Alliance Française de Suva will continue the celebration of Francophonie Month by hosting a range of events and activities in Fiji. This initiative reinforces the cultural ties and promotes the values aligned within the Francophonie community throughout the region.
With events like these, there is a positive outlook on fostering cultural identity and cooperation in the Pacific, allowing nations and communities to thrive while embracing shared values and heritage.
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