Ladies and gentlemen,

Before I begin, allow me to convey the warmest greetings from my dear husband, President Alassane Ouattara, who asked me to extend Côte d'Ivoire’s traditional Akwaba to you and to wish you a most pleasant stay in our beautiful country.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the members of the government, as well as the many distinguished personalities from the fields of culture, arts, and sports who have joined us today for this luncheon.

I particularly wish to thank the Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Mr. Siandou Fofana, for his personal involvement in making it possible for the Miss France contestants to visit Côte d'Ivoire and experience the beauty of our country.

Warm greetings as well to Mr. Frédéric Gilbert, President of the Miss France organization, and Mrs. Cindy Fabre, the Director of the Miss France competition.

Thank you for choosing our beautiful country as the destination for the preparation of the contestants for the Miss France 2025 pageant. I hope this trip will be a memorable experience for each of them and that they will leave Côte d'Ivoire with wonderful memories.

I also wish to extend a special welcome to the stunning Eve Gilles, Miss France 2024; Diane Leyre, Miss France 2022; and Maëva Coucke, Miss France 2018, who have also traveled here. It is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for being here!

Joining me in this welcome are my wonderful protégées, Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala, Miss Côte d'Ivoire 2024, and her runners-up, along with our beloved Olivia Yacé, Miss Côte d'Ivoire 2021. Thank you for standing by my side as we host our prestigious guests.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Case des Enfants that you will visit this afternoon was the very first major project implemented by the Children of Africa Foundation when it was established in 1998.

Originally created to serve as a refuge for street children, this center quickly became a haven of peace for underprivileged children in Abidjan.

Every child who has passed through the Case has received care, education, and psychological support, enabling them to fully thrive.

Thanks to the 8th gala of the Children of Africa Foundation held in 2022, the Case des Enfants was renovated and expanded to accommodate even more children. You will witness this progress during your visit.

Dear Miss France contestants,

Your visit to the Case des Enfants is far more than just another step on your journey toward the Miss France crown.

It is, above all, a beautiful example of selflessness in service of those in need.

You demonstrate that external beauty gains its full meaning when it is accompanied by profound values such as solidarity, generosity, and humanitarian commitment.

By giving your time and sharing a moment with these children, you bring them joy and happiness—priceless gifts. I encourage you to nurture this sense of humanity, for your voices now have the power to champion noble and meaningful causes.

I also wish to warmly thank the organizers of the Miss France competition, particularly Mr. Frédéric Gilbert, Mrs. Cindy Fabre, and Mrs. Anaïs Damassy, who has done incredible work here in Abidjan, as well as everyone who made these moments possible. You have so beautifully combined physical beauty with the beauty of the heart.

My dear Miss France contestants,

I will conclude by wishing all of you the very best in this extraordinary adventure you are embarking on.

You are magnificent ambassadors for your country in the world. Make the most of this wonderful experience.

Once again, I wish you a delightful stay in Côte d'Ivoire.

Thank you.