By MWANGALA  LISELI –
DEFENCE Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga has said the commemoration of the Francophonie week creates a platform for opportunities to develop partnerships with Francophone communities.
He said the commemoration also promoted peace, democracy as well as human rights and supported education, training in higher education institutions and research.

DEFENCE Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga (left) shares a light moment with National Arts Council chairperson Mulenga Kapwepwe (in chitenge outfit), Youth and Sports Minister Vincent Mwale (right) and French Ambassador to Zambia Emmanuel Cohet (second left) during the launch of the Francophonie Week at Alliance Francaise in Lusaka on Friday evening. Picture by CHUSA SICHONE

Mr Mulenga was speaking on Friday when he launched the Francophone week at Alliance Francaise in Lusaka.
He also said the International Organisation of la Francophone represented one of the biggest linguistic zones in the world and the commemoration helped to promote the French language, culture and linguistic diversity.
“Allow me to extend on behalf of the Government and the people of Zambia sincere message of goodwill to countries across the world that share the French language as we join them in celebrating this happy occasion that fosters a spirit of unity,” Mr Mulenga said.
Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia Kumar Gupta said the anniversary of the Francophone enabled its members to celebrate their commitment to the values of peace, democracy, respect for human rights, sustainable development and solidarity.
Mr Gupta said Francophone was celebrated in 100 countries on five continents around the world.
He said the event offered opportunities for cultural and economic linkages to the Francophone world, even to non-Francophone countries such as Zambia.