Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and Francophonie, signed a cultural cooperation agreement on Monday, September 15, 2025, at her office located in the Tour B building in Abidjan-Plateau, with Alfredo Malú, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports of Guinea-Bissau.

This agreement marks a step toward strengthening the bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and cooperation between the two nations and their peoples.

“Our shared desire is to give new momentum to our cultural cooperation, for the benefit of our artists, our cultural professionals, and above all, our populations—especially since we have many elements in common,” stated Minister Françoise Remarck. She assured her Bissau-Guinean counterpart of the Ivorian government’s full commitment to working in close synergy for the effective implementation of the agreement, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity.

Expressing his appreciation for the cultural collaboration between Abidjan and Bissau, Minister Alfredo Malú thanked his Ivorian counterpart and the entire Ivorian government for accelerating the agreement process.

“This signing will allow us to engage in cultural exchanges between our two countries,” he said with satisfaction, before inviting Côte d'Ivoire, through the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, to participate as the guest of honor at the Guinea-Bissau Carnival.

In response, Françoise Remarck pledged to support the Bissau-Guinean Ministry of Culture in organizing this carnival, which is envisioned as a unique celebration filled with dance, music, and festivities spanning several days across the country.

Notably, Guinea-Bissau had already participated as the guest country of honor at the 16th edition of the Anoumabo Urban Music Festival (FEMUA) in 2024. During the festival, artists from the West African country showcased various performances and other culturally relevant activities.

According to Professor Assane Thiam, Chief of Staff at the Ivorian Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, the signed cooperation agreement includes, among other components, cultural exchange between Ivorian and Bissau-Guinean cultural actors, joint programming in cultural education, strengthened training opportunities, and expanded participation in cultural events, especially festivals.