Paris, France — Mozambican President Joachim Chissano is expected to join French host President Jacques Chirac and the Republic of Equator leader Gustavo Noboa Bejarano, at a language symposium opening 20 March in Paris.

The two-day gathering is on the challenges facing three major language groups under globalisation.

For the first time, Lusophone, Hispanophone and Francophone officials are meeting to promote their common interests in the international arena.

According to the International Organisation of the Francophonie, organisers of the symposium, the Paris gathering would seek to promote democratisation of international relations and enhance the culture of peace.

The year 2001 has been declared the "European Year of Languages" by the European Commission as well as a "Year of Dialogue Among Civilisations" by the United Nations.

It has also been dubbed the "Year of Dialogue Among Cultures" by the Francophonie Summit, slated for Beirut later in the year.

Organisers of the Paris symposium said in a statement that these declarations were a confirmation of the "International dimension of plurilinguism and cultural diversity."

The symposium to be held at the Sorbonne University in Paris would also be attended by intellectuals, public officials, and private sector entrepreneurs.

Participants are expected to help develop new international partnerships among the three linguistic groups, under three principle themes - Identity and Multi-Culturulism, Culture and Economy as well Society of Knowledge and the New Technologies.