President Iliana Iotova has arrived in Cambodia to represent Bulgaria at the 20th summit of the International Organisation of La Francophonie in Phnom Penh, her press office said. The forum opens today in Cambodia, which is tomorrow in Bulgaria.
Iotova will speak at the opening plenary session and at the closed meeting of heads of state and government, titled "Strengthening peace: a collective project that values the diversity of our strengths". The summit's motto is "Reinvesting in peace for shared prosperity and lasting stability". The press office said the forum aims to urge leaders to talk, settle disputes peacefully and back sustainable development that benefits all.
The Bulgarian president will hold talks with the organisation's secretary general, Louise Mushikiwabo, and with Vietnam's president, To Lam. Iotova will also meet Cambodians who studied at universities in Bulgaria and now hold senior posts in different fields.
On Monday, the last day of the summit, delegates will choose a new secretary general. Four candidates are running for the post.
Bulgaria has been a full member of the organisation since 1993. The group has 90 member states. The president's press office said Bulgaria is a leading partner of La Francophonie in Eastern and Central Europe.