The Tamesis
March 11, 2026
Vientiane – The government and the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) have reiterated their intention to strengthen cooperation in education and French teaching, especially during the visit of the organization’s Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo on March 4 and 5.
The International Organization of la Francophonie is an international organization representing countries and governments with strong ties to the French language and culture.
On 5 March, Ms Mushikiwabo and her delegation paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, underscoring the success of the ongoing engagement between the Government and the Organization of la Francophonie.
The Prime Minister welcomed the visit and said it comes 10 years after former OIF Secretary-General Michael Jean visited Laos in 2016. He pointed out that since Laos became a formal member of the organization in 1991, cooperation between Laos and OIF has developed steadily.
Dr. Sonexay expressed appreciation for the organization’s continued support through various cooperation frameworks, especially in promoting French education, training French teachers, supporting vocational training and other areas that contribute to the development of Laos.
He briefed the OIF Secretary-General on Laos’ overall progress, including the achievements of the Ninth National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021-2025) and the goals set by the plan for 2026-2030.
He said the government remains committed to graduating from least developed country status by the end of 2026.
Ms. Mushikiwabo thanked the government for the warm welcome and spoke highly of the strong partnership between OIF and Laos, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to continue providing support in various fields.
Later in the day, Ms Mushikiwabo also met with Foreign Affairs Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
He expressed his appreciation for the help provided by the Organization of la Francophonie in promoting the teaching of French, supporting the Institute of Tropical Medicine and assisting the French-language magazine Le Rénovateur.
The two officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Laos and the International Organization of la Francophonie.
Ms Mushikiwabo also visited Vientiane Secondary School where she was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Kingmano Phommahaxay as well as school management, teachers and students.
School principal Thongphan Oulaithone outlined the history and activities of the prestigious school, including the Lao-French bilingual program launched in 1998. The program offers instruction in French and teaches subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology in French.
The school received the Label Franc Éducation certificate in 2015, 2019 and 2023 in recognition of its achievements in promoting French education.
Ms. Mushikiwabo praised the school’s achievements and bilingual program, noting its role in promoting the learning of French among Lao students and pledging continued support for the program.
Laos joined OIF as a full member in 1991 and has since actively participated in the organization’s activities in the fields of education, health, culture, media and development.
The organization currently consists of 90 member states and governments and is headquartered in Paris.
