Minister Dion to attend ministerial conference on peacekeeping in francophone environments
News Release
October 26, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that he will attend a ministerial conference on peacekeeping in francophone environments, in Paris, France, on October 27, 2016.
The conference aims to advance peace in francophone regions.
At France’s invitation, Canada will co-chair the conference with Senegal, Bangladesh and Germany. Minister Dion will deliver remarks at the plenary session during which he will highlight Canada’s re-engagement in UN peacekeeping operations.
The conference will be attended by leaders of francophone countries and of countries engaged in peace operations in francophone regions, as well as by representatives of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, the UN and the European Union.
Quotes
“As a committed architect of peace, Canada will do its part to build a safer world. During the conference, I will discuss Canada’s contribution to these operations in the world and reaffirm our commitment to the UN.”
- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- Seven of the UN’s 16 current peacekeeping operations are taking place in a cultural and operational environment where French is one of the official languages or is commonly used.
- The UN devotes more than 60 percent of its police and military forces and more than 55 percent of its peacekeeping operations budget to its operations in francophone regions.
- During the recent visit to Canada by France’s Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, Canada and France adopted a peacekeeping road map that commits them to cooperate on issues related to peacekeeping operations.
- On August 26, 2016, the Government of Canada announced the launch of the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs). Canada will provide $450 million for PSOPs over three years to take concrete actions to prevent and respond to conflicts abroad and to support UN peace operations.
- Canada will host an important peacekeeping conference in 2017.
Associated links
- France-Canada peacekeeping road map
- The Peace and Stabilization Operations Program
- Minister Sajjan reaffirms peace operations pledge at UN defence ministerial
Contacts
Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Global Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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