Soft diplomacy – Speech by Jean-Yves Le Drian for the “Days of the Cooperation and Cultural Action Network” (Paris, 16 July 2018)

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Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian will give a speech today, July 16, on the occasion of the “Journées du réseau de coopération et d’action culturelle” (“Days of the Cooperation and Cultural Action Network”), an annual event that takes place on July 16-17 in Paris.

Mr. Le Drian will underscore the crucial role played by soft diplomacy in our efforts to promote a world order based on the rule of law, multilateralism, and respect for cultural diversity. He will highlight the vital missions of the Cooperation and Cultural Action Network, which serves our national interests in a context of growing international competition.

This event will facilitate discussions on the reconfigurations taking place in the cultural network, which must be constantly adapting. Three soft diplomacy priorities will also be discussed: the strategy of expanding the teaching of French and in French, as part of the “French language and multilingualism” plan; support for cultural and creative industries; and renewing France’s policy of development and international solidarity, launched at the last interministerial committee for international cooperation and development.