Readout: Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks with French foreign minister

March 20, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.

The ministers discussed the response plans for COVID-19 in their respective countries and the importance of maintaining strong coordination between France and Canada, as well as internationally including with other members of the G7 and with the World Health Organization.

They also discussed the concerns of air travel restrictions and international border controls and the significant impact of COVID-19 on both the airline industry and travellers. The ministers addressed the need to safely return travellers home from abroad. 

Minister Champagne expressed sincere gratitude to Minister Le Drian for his support in the repatriation of Canadian passengers on board the cruise ship Costa Luminosa off the port of Marseille.

On this International Day of La Francophonie, Minister Champagne also underlined the need for La Francophonie’s global family to stand united and work together in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic.