President Michel Suleiman on Sunday declared open the Sixth Francophone Games in Beirut.

“Lebanon is a democratic state where its entire people are protected under the law and the Constitution,” Suleiman said.

French Prime Minister Francois Fillion arrived in Beirut earlier Sunday to take part in the opening ceremony of the Games which will take place in the Lebanese capital from Sept. 27 till Oct. 6.

This international event is held every four years with the participation of more than 3,000 athletes from 68 French-speaking countries, allowing them to meet, compete and freely express the diversity of the francophone culture.

Lebanon has been chosen to host the Sixth Francophone Games, also known as “Jeux de la Francophonie.”

Fillion is expected to meet Suleiman, PM-designate Saad Hariri and Speaker Nabih Berri during his Lebanon stay.