5 June 2012
London, United Kingdom
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will travel to Paris, France, on June 6, 2012, for a working visit on June 7, 2012, with recently-elected President François Hollande.
"Canada and France enjoy deep and enduring historical, cultural, linguistic and economic ties," said the Prime Minister. "I look forward to meeting with President Hollande to discuss a range of global and bilateral issues with a particular focus on strengthening trade and investment relations – including through a Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement."
During their first bilateral meeting at the Camp David G-8 Summit in May 2012, both leaders agreed to meet early in the French President's term given the important and growing cultural, commercial and security ties between Canada and France. During the visit, the two leaders will discuss a range of global and bilateral issues with a particular focus on strengthening trade and investment relations – including through a Canada-European Union Free Trade Agreement. They will also reaffirm the deep and enduring historical, cultural, linguistic and educational ties between the two countries.
Canada-France commercial relations are strong and growing. Bilateral merchandise trade with France totalled $8.6 billion in 2011 with Canadian exports amounting to almost $3.1 billion and imports to $5.5 billion.
Canada and France cooperate closely on international issues and governance, as well as on social issues, including health, immigration policy, justice systems, development cooperation, and science and technology. Agreements between ministries and numerous reciprocal visits by government officials and parliamentarians continue to strengthen their important relationship.
In 2011, Prime Minister Harper visited France four times.
