The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will travel to Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, France, from October 3 to 5, 2024, to participate in the 19th Francophonie Summit.

“The French language is central to our national identity and plays a leading role on the international stage. I am delighted to participate in these events, which highlight La Francophonie and its importance to Canada. By collaborating with our Francophonie partners, we can create a lasting and positive impact for our populations, while celebrating the cultural and linguistic diversity that unites us.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

• La Francophonie comprises 88-member, associate member and observer states and governments sharing the French language and common values. A major player in international relations, it represents a billion people, including 327 million Francophones on five continents.

• Founded on March 20, 1970, at the Niamey Conference in Niger, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) grew out of the former Agence de coopération culturelle et technique.

• As a founding member of the OIF, Canada has played an active role in the organization for over 50 years. As the second largest donor, Canada actively supports the organization's initiatives to protect and promote the French language and cultural diversity.

Associated links

• Canada and La Francophonie
• Prime Minister to travel to France to participate in the 19th Sommet de la Francophonie
• Organisation internationale de la Francophonie

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