Togo's parliament approves the country's membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Togo's parliament has passed a motion requesting that the government submit a formal application to join the Commonwealth, which is made up mostly of former British colonies.

The country is already a member of the Economic Organization of West African States (Ecowas) and the International Organization of La Francophonie, which is a group of French-speaking countries, the majority of which are former French colonies.

"Togo will remain a member of the Francophonie. It will only serve to improve English education programs and reignite other collaborations "Speaker of parliament Yawa Tsegan was cited as saying by the privately-owned Icilome news website.

The administration was invited to submit its application for Commonwealth membership at the bloc's next meeting in Rwanda in June, according to the resolution agreed on Friday.

In 2014, the West African country began the process of joining the Commonwealth.