On International Francophonie Day, President Joseph Aoun highlighted the deep cultural and intellectual significance of being part of the French-speaking world, emphasizing that the essence of this identity goes beyond the language itself.

Speaking at an event held at the presidential palace, President Aoun offered his perspective, pointing out that Lebanon’s long and diverse history of language and culture provides a more profound understanding of what it means to belong to the Francophone community.

Aoun explained that, as a people, the Lebanese have long navigated between multiple languages throughout their history. From the ancient Phoenician to Arabic, the Lebanese have always been multilingual.

"Through the centuries, we have spoken different languages, from the languages of the Canaanites and Arameans to Arabic. In different periods, we have used other languages for writing, science, and culture," he said, emphasizing that this multilingual heritage is integral to Lebanon’s cultural identity.

However, Aoun also made it clear that the concept of Francophonie is not merely about being tied to another country.

"We are connected to Lebanon, and Lebanon alone," he affirmed. "Since its mention in holy books until the end of time, Lebanon remains our sole allegiance."

Nevertheless, he stated, Lebanon is undeniably Francophone, but this connection is about more than geographic or political ties—it’s about intellectual and cultural belonging to a shared set of values.

“To be Francophone means to stand with reason against madness, like Descartes. It means to embrace aesthetics over ugliness, like Paul Valéry. It means to be with the citizen, not the ruler, as expressed in the ‘Declaration of Human Rights.’ It means to be committed to the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and to remain open to the world."

He also reflected on the power of the French language in uniting people from different walks of life, from the poetry of Léopold Sédar Senghor to the authenticity of Aimé Césaire, from Assia Djebar's feminist insights to the musical compositions of Nadia Tuéni.

"In the French language, we can hear the struggles of the oppressed and the emotions of humanity," Aoun said.

The President further emphasized that to be Francophone also means to believe in the sovereignty of one’s state. Referencing the works of renowned philosophers like Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Bodin, Aoun underscored that Lebanon must protect its territorial integrity and reject any forms of authoritarianism.

"Being Francophone means, as a citizen, to stand for the absolute, eternal, and indivisible sovereignty of your state, in accordance with the principle of Bodin. It means embracing the 'Spirit of the Laws' and combating the tyranny of any power, as Montesquieu argued. It means supporting the will of the people, which constitutes the foundation of the social contract, as Rousseau wrote. It means standing for freedom of thought and expression, as Voltaire advocated."

Moreover, Aoun made an important point about the dual nature of being both secular and spiritual in Lebanon.

"We can be believers and secular at the same time," he explained. "We give to God what is God’s and to Caesar what is Caesar’s."

He noted that Lebanon’s pluralism allows its citizens the right to be different in every way, but the country must remain united in its core values of equality and respect for diversity.

The President also stressed that, in the Arab context, being Francophone means supporting the rights of Arab nations and advocating for their causes on the global stage. Aoun recalled the words of the great French leader Charles de Gaulle in 1967, when he expressed support for Arab rights and causes.

"We must continue to be committed to Arab rights, as the French world has always been," Aoun asserted.

Aoun turned to Lebanon’s unique role in the Francophone community, quoting the French poet Lamartine, who once described Lebanon not just as a country but as a "temple where the cedars stand as living pillars, holding up its sky."

For Aoun, being Francophone means embracing this poetic vision of Lebanon—a country that is more than just a place, but a symbol of hope, unity, and civilization.

In closing, President Aoun emphasized that, above all, the most important thing is to speak with one language: the language of love, of humanity, and of shared values.

“No matter what words you use, always speak the language of love for every human being and for everything that is human," he said. "This is the essence of what we believe Francophonie to be. And this is why, today, we celebrate.”