Canada confirms its role as leader within the Francophonie
December 1, 2014 – Dakar, Senegal – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, the Honourable Christian Paradis, today concluded a six-day visit to Dakar, Senegal, where he participated in the 15th Summit of La Francophonie, which was held on November 29–30. Prime Minister Stephen Harper led the Canadian delegation at the Dakar summit.
In preparation for the summit, Minister Paradis participated in the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (November 26–27). He also took part in the first Francophonie Economic Forum (December 1) and in several bilateral meetings with his counterparts and senior leaders of countries from the Francophonie. He also co-chaired a high-level meeting on Ebola with his French counterpart, Annick Girardin, Secretary of State for Development and the Francophonie, and Awa Marie Coll Seck, Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action.
“I would like to congratulate and thank Senegal, the host of a very successful Francophonie summit,’’ said Minister Paradis. ‘‘This summit will be remembered, among other things, for the adoption of a common economic strategy, which will contribute to supporting the sustainable economic growth of all member countries of the Francophonie. Canada also used this opportunity to confirm its role as leader within the Francophonie in the area of maternal, newborn and child health, as well as in the sectors of education and sustainable economic growth, which are all important components in reducing poverty in the world.”
On his official visit to Dakar, Minister Paradis took the opportunity to make a series of announcements regarding several important issues such as Ebola, Canada’s contribution to education and training, and the signing of foreign investment promotion and protection agreements.
Minister Paradis’ stay in Dakar was preceded by an official visit to Rabat, Morocco.
Quick Facts
- Canada is the second-largest financial supporter and one of the main pillars of the Francophonie.
- Canada was one of the first countries to promote the Francophonie by actively participating in the creation and development of its institutions.
- Canada is pleased that, in the context of the Dakar summit, the Francophonie has established an economic strategy to consolidate its actions in the area of economic development and to strengthen its mandate regarding international cooperation.
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Maxime Robert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
maxime.robert@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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