Minister Garneau speaks with Secretary General of La Francophonie

March 19, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie.

The Minister and the Secretary General discussed Canada’s priorities within La Francophonie, including the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic within member states, the promotion of human rights and gender equality, and the advancement and protection of the French language internationally. The Minister has highlighted the productive collaboration between Canada and the Organisation international de la Francophonie (OIF) which will help drive the development of digital content from across the francophone world, including from Canadian creators, through the TV5MONDEplus platform.

The Minister welcomed the important measures taken by the Secretary General to modernize the OIF and reiterated Canada’s support for strategic efforts to improve its efficiency, management and transparency.

Minister Garneau welcomed the nomination of the new OIF administrator, Canadian Geoffroi Montpetit, who will work to advance the priorities of La Francophonie. The Minister and the Secretary General concluded on the importance of meeting in November for the XVIII Francophonie Summit in Djerba, Tunisia.