October 27, 2023 – The Consular Corps of Namur and the Francophonie

The Consular Corps of the Province of Namur (CCPN) is constantly seeking to strengthen its links with other French-speaking regions.

Last August, a twinning agreement was signed between the CCPN and the Association of Honorary Consuls of the Quebec Region. This agreement, reflecting our determination to strengthen the French-speaking world, attracted the interest of Bruno Cavaco, Dean of the Consular Corps of Hauts-de-France. Sensitive to our ambitions, he contacted us and visited us in Namur.

We are delighted to announce that the twinning agreement will soon be extended to the Consular Corps of Lille - Hauts-de-France Region. With this new partnership, three French-speaking Consular Corps are working together and engaging in the Francophonie.

Our horizons turn towards 2024, where the establishment of a "Conference of Presidents of Consular Corps of French-speaking Countries" is envisaged, echoing the 21st Francophonie summit in Villers Cotterêts.

But the significance of this encounter wasn't limited to formalities. Bruno had the opportunity to discover the beating heart of the city of Namur. While strolling through its historic squares and alleyways, Djoseph and Francwès, emblematic and humorous figures of the city, took on the role of ambassadors of the Namur soul, embodying pride and humor.

The importance of the Francophonie in Namur is a reality. This desire to build bridges between different French-speaking regions is not just about formal agreements. It is also about renowned cultural events, such as the Namur International Francophone Film Festival (FIFF). A major event since 1986, the FIFF is an essential showcase of the diversity and creativity of the French-speaking cinema, thus reinforcing Namur's position as a crossroads of the French-speaking world.

This expansion of our network embodies the dynamic commitment of the Consular Corps of Namur to promoting the richness and dynamism of French-speaking culture in a context of multilateral collaboration between Consular Corps. This initiative illustrates the ambition of Namur, the capital of Wallonia, to position itself as an influential player internationally and in the world of French-speaking exchanges in particular.

Through these collaborations and meetings, Namur strengthens its ties with the French-speaking world. Our province fosters and encourages cultural, educational, and linguistic exchanges. By facilitating these exchanges, the Consular Corps of the Province of Namur contributes significantly to dialogue and cohesion between the various stakeholders in the French-speaking world.