Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Kondov Friday addressed the 45th Session of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie in Paris, reports the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

He put an emphasis on Bulgaria's membership in the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and its significance as an important platform for multilateral cooperation and dialogue based on a common language and shared values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

During the meeting, the ministers of foreign affairs of OIF member countries discussed a draft Declaration of the 19th Francophonie Summit, taking place in Villers-Cotterêts, in the north of France, on Friday and Saturday, and made recommendations about OIF membership bids and OIF Charter changes.

In his speech, Kondov pointed out that the Francophone community has the capacity to mobilize additional forces for the economic and social development of its countries and their citizens.

Kondov expressed concern over the developments in the Middle East and stressed the hope for de-escalation of tensions and peace in the region.

On the sidelines of the Conference, Minister Kondov met with the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti. The two discussed ways to develop and build on cooperation between the two countries and the holding of bilateral political consultations.

Minister Kondov also visited the Bulgarian stand at the Francophonie Village, a side event of the 19th Francophonie Summit.