1. The Francophonie Festival, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Council for the Promotion of the Francophonie in Korea, kicked off in Seoul on March 16.

o At the opening ceremony of the festival, Director-General for Cultural Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Hong Seok-in delivered congratulatory remarks, and Ambassador of Morocco Chafik Rachadi, chair of the Council for the Promotion of the Francophonie in Korea this year, made an opening speech. Key figures from various sectors of French-speaking countries, including ambassadors to the ROK from about 15 countries, attended the opening ceremony, and wished for the success of the festival.

2. The ROK joined the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) as an observer in November 2016. The Foreign Ministry co-hosted the Francophonie Festival for the first time to enhance cooperation with the OIF.

o The festival will feature events of various genres, including music, film, play, literature, debate, food and sports, so that a range of cultures of French-speaking countries can be brought closer to Koreans.

3. By co-hosting the festival, the Foreign Ministry created an opportunity to forge greater cultural consensus between Koreans and French-speaking countries and to strengthen cooperation between the ROK and the OIF.

* unofficial translation