ABU DHABI, 19th March, 2023 (WAM) -- Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, said that under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has strengthened its multilateral relations with the sphere of francophone nations.

In a statement regarding the UAE's participation in global celebrations of the International Day of the Francophonie, which is marked annually on 20th March, Nusseibeh stressed that the UAE has built bridges of knowledge and communication and affirmed its belief in the values and principles upheld by the mission of the Francophonie, such as peace and solidarity.

On the occasion of the annual event, Nusseibeh stated, "The UAE has an influential role in the international arena and hosts important international events. This enables it to support the mission of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, the official platform for multilateral cooperation between French-speaking nations. Our support reflects positively on member states and helps to achieve their aspirations."

He added, "The UAE was honoured to receive the written support of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie for our hosting of the 28th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28). We encourage participation by Member States of the Francophonie in the conference in a manner that serves our common interests."

"The UAE's participation in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and their annual celebrations reaffirms the country's deep commitment and solidarity to the nations and peoples of the Francophonie, and in particular their youth as the engine of future development," Nusseibeh concluded.