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Village of La Francophonie officially opened in Antananarivo

Xinhua, November 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

As a traditional warm-up project of Francophonie summit, the Village of La Francophonie is opened officially Monday evening by Madagascar's president and the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Francophonie Michaelle Jean in Antananarivo.

The village, located on the road to the venue of the 16th Francophonie Summit, holds more than 200 stands of crafts gallery in several exhibition pavilions which will last for one week.

Madagascar's President Hery Rajaonarimampianina said in his opening speech that more than 3,000 direct jobs were created during the realization of this village.

"The village built for La Francophonie has benefited and will benefit the Malagasy people," the president said.

"This summit is important for Madagascar, because, first of all, the country shares the same values of La Francophonie," he said, adding that the goal of the country is to offer an activity generating income to companies, young engineers, and qualified workers.

For her part, the Secretary-General of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF) Michaelle Jean welcomed the efforts of the Malagasy people.

"I want to salute the magnificent work that you all can be proud of," Michaelle Jean said.

"This village is a kaleidoscope of all that is francophonie, and this place will soon be animated by so many ideas of young people, citizens, artists and entrepreneurs, "she said.

She added this place is where people can meet in resemblance and difference, a place of sharing common values and ambitions.

"What a great infrastructure for Antananarivo and for Madagascar," Madame Jean continued.

The Village of La Francophonie, spread over an area of 1.5 hectare, can welcome 3,000 people for the cultural exchanges scheduled during the up-coming summit.

The summit is important for more than 80 heads of state and government of the OIF are expected in Madagascar, of which about thirty have confirmed their arrival in the country.

The International Organization of La Francophonie was created in 1970. Its mission is to embody the active solidarity between its 80 member states and governments. Endit