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IP/06/1129
Brussels, 28 August 2006
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The European Commission and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) have signed a memorandum of understanding in order to join forces and work in synergy The European Commissioner responsible for development and humanitarian aid, Louis Michel, on behalf of the Commission, and the Secretary General of the OIF, Abdou Diouf, have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at stepping up consultation, cooperation and coordination between the Commission and the OIF. This partnership is a concrete example of the Commission’s wish to join forces with other development players in order to help the partner countries to face such major challenges as the fight against poverty, the promotion of democracy and human rights, cultural and linguistic diversity, education and training, as well as economic and social development. EU development and humanitarian aid commissioner Louis Michel said that “L'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie is much more than a cultural reality based on a language. It is a political organisation whose influence and effectiveness have been amply demonstrated, and a highly important partner for the European Commission, particularly in the area of conflict prevention and democratisation.”
Ms Ferrero Waldner, the Commissioner responsible for external relations and European neighbourhood policy, stressed “We need to reinforce any partnership that promotes peace, democracy and human rights and in this context I welcome our new agreement with the OIF. This organisation shares our opinion that education is a priority in our efforts towards human security. I hope that our strenghened cooperation will make an important contribution.”
Abdou Diouf, the Secretary General of OIF, welcomed the signing of this agreement with the European Commission: “It is my wish to step up consultation and coordination and pool our efforts and resources in order to increase the effectiveness of cooperation and humanitarian aid. It is our duty, in the name of solidarity, to boost and give fresh impetus to the relations between the OIF and the Commission as a major player in the international community.”
The structured dialogue established by the agreement between the two partners will enable them to develop joint operations in a spirit of complementarity and effectiveness whenever collaboration between the two partners is shown to have added value.
These constructive synergies will be developed in the areas of promotion of democracy, human rights and cultural and linguistic diversity; conflict prevention; economic and social development; the information society; education, training and youth.
Mr Jan Figel’, the Commissioner in charge of education, training, culture and multilingualism, was also keen to be associated with this memorandum of understanding, welcoming the expertise and added value brought by the OIF in the fields of education, training and youth.
With 53 members, including many partner countries of the EU, the OIF is an important player in the field of development, particularly in the areas of cultural diversity, conflict prevention and promotion of democracy. The two partners, who share the same values, convictions and analysis of the challenges confronting the world, have entered into this agreement in order to intensify their dialogue and reinforce the impact of their fight in favour of development.
