site.btaPlevneliev: Bulgaria Is a Proud Active Member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie

Plevneliev: Bulgaria Is a Proud Active Member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie

Sofia, May 25 (BTA) - At a working meeting with Michaelle Jean, Secretary General of La Francophonie, President Rosen Plevneliev stated that Bulgaria is a proud active member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), his press secretariat said.

Jean is visiting Bulgaria.

The President highly praised the IOF's goals and achievements in promoting peace, democracy and human rights and freedoms. Plevneliev and Jean expressed a readiness to work together within the organization to improve young people's access to education and prevent their radicalization and social exclusion.

Plevneliev said: "The world is facing many challenges. It is only by working together and being united that we can redress the balance."

The two officials concurred on the need to boost trade and economic cooperation among the IOF Member States. Bulgaria has been working to strengthen its economic contacts with Africa, and IOF membership opens up opportunities for new partnerships, said Plevneliev.

Regarding the Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture and of Slav Letters marked on May 24, Plevneliev highlighted its huge importance for the Bulgarian nation. "Bulgaria is one of the first States to have elaborated their own alphabet."

Plevneliev expressed a hope that the IOF would support Bulgaria's candidate Irina Bokova for the post of UN Secretary General.