Paris, France — October 3, 2024: President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame have officially arrived in Paris to participate in the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), set to commence on October 4, 2024.
The President touched down in Paris on the evening of October 3, following a three-day work visit to Latvia. The summit, which will be co-hosted by OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo and French President Emmanuel Macron, carries the theme “Create, Innovate, and Do Business in French,” placing a strong emphasis on youth employment and entrepreneurship.
On the first day, the Kagames will attend the official opening ceremony in Villers-Cotterêts, a historic town located 80 kilometers northeast of Paris. This location holds special significance as it was here, in 1539, that French was declared the official language of France, replacing Latin.
The second day of the summit will see President Kagame engage in closed-door discussions aimed at fostering new collaborative approaches among member states, under the guidance of President Macron.
The summit is expected to conclude with the signing of the Villers-Cotterêts agreement, marking a significant step in enhancing cooperation within the Francophonie community.
Stay tuned for updates as the summit unfolds, focusing on strategies for youth empowerment and economic innovation across Francophone nations.
