Brussels, 28/08/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 28 August, European Development Commissioner Louis Michel signed a memorandum of understanding with Abdou Diouf, the Secretary General of the OIF (Organisation internationale de la Francophonie)to enhance mutual cooperation. This partnership demonstrates the Commission's wish to join forces with other development players in order to help partner countries face major challenges such as the fight against poverty, the promotion of democracy and human rights, cultural and linguistic diversity, education and training, and economic and social development. The structured dialogue established by the agreement between the two partners will enable them to develop joint operations in a spirit of complementarity. Mr Michel welcomed this new privileged partnership founded on common values. “The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie is much more than a cultural reality based on a language. It is a political organisation whose influence and effectiveness have been amply demonstrated, and a highly important partner for the European Commission, particularly in the area of conflict prevention and democratisation”, he commented. Mr Michel specified that he would be meeting Mr Diouf on a regular basis every three months (the next meeting is to be held in Bucharest). The Commissioner went on to say that they are on the same wavelength and that they will be seeking to develop the largest number of synergies and to see how they can deploy their strategies. After this first meeting, Louis Michel said he was particularly sensitive to the situation of African cinema. “I have nothing to add to this. We are in total synergy with Commissioner Michel”, Abdou Diouf said. External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero Waldner also welcomed the partnership saying: “This organisation (the OIF) shares our opinion that education is a priority in our efforts towards human security”. Jan Figel, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Multilingualism, also backed the initiative and welcomed the great expertise and added value brought by the OIF in the fields of education, training and youth.