Armenian sports and culture minister, OIF secretary general discuss Yerevan 2027 Games

Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan met with Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), in Yerevan on the sidelines of the COP17 Leaders’ Summit.

Vivien Olivier Lubczanski, Director of the International Committee of the Francophone Games (CIJF), also attended the meeting.

According to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the main topic of the meeting was preparations for the 10th Francophone Games, which will be held in Yerevan in 2027.

Andreasyan thanked the delegation for visiting Armenia and supporting closer cooperation within the Francophonie, emphasizing Armenia’s commitment to promoting Francophone values, multilingualism, intercultural dialogue, and stronger ties among young people.

Andreasyan stressed that hosting the Games is not only a major international sporting and cultural event for Armenia but also an important opportunity to strengthen ties with the Francophone community, raise the country’s international profile, and expand long-term cooperation.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the Games, including the preparation of competition venues, cooperation with international experts, and volunteer recruitment.

Andreasyan reaffirmed Armenia’s readiness to ensure that the Games are organized to a high standard and in line with international requirements, in close cooperation with the International Committee of the Francophone Games. In this context, the importance of the International Organisation of La Francophonie’s support in promoting the Games internationally, promoting the active involvement of member states and the participation of national delegations and high-ranking guests, was emphasized.

Louise Mushikiwabo thanked Andreasyan for the meeting and highly praised Armenia’s efforts to organize the 10th Francophone Games. She emphasized the importance of holding the Games in Armenia in strengthening cultural ties among Francophone countries, encouraging young people’s active participation and interaction, and promoting Francophone values. Mushikiwabo also reaffirmed the OIF’s readiness to support the successful organization of the Games.

The meeting also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in education, youth affairs, culture, and French-language teaching. Andreasyan proposed developing joint programs both during preparations for the Games and after their conclusion to ensure continuity of cooperation.

The 10th Francophone Games will be held in Armenia from July 23 to August 1, 2027. The program includes 10 sports disciplines and 10 cultural competitions.