Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada will host both the Canada-European Union Summit, on October 17, 2008, and the 12th Francophonie Summit, from October 17 to 19, 2008. Both summits will take place in Québec City.
"I am pleased to be hosting these two very important summits, which are opportunities for important discussions on a variety of issues, including the international financial outlook, the environment and the expansion of economic relations" said Prime Minister Harper.
During the Canada-European Union Summit, the Prime Minister will meet with Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso to discuss the global financial situation, the Canada-EU economic partnership, and security and the environment, among other issues.
The Prime Minister will preside over the 12th Francophonie Summit, which will be attended by heads of state and government from the international Francophone community, as well as Abdou Diouf, Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, and Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations.
"It is an honour to co-host this Summit with the Premier of Quebec, Jean Charest. I am also pleased that the Premier of New Brunswick, Shawn Graham, is an important partner in this Summit" added the Prime Minister.
The Summit is an opportunity for Canada to affirm its engagement in La Francophonie. Canada has played a leading role in expanding the organization's international influence, and actively participated in establishing and developing its original institutions. Members will discuss four themes: economic governance, the environment, the French language, and democracy and the rule of law.
This year, Canada commemorates the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City. This anniversary reminds us that French was Canada's first language and that the founding of Québec City marks the founding of the Canadian state.
