March 2, 2015 - Paris, France - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded his visit to France, where he had a constructive meeting with Laurent Fabius, France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Minister Nicholson and Minister Fabius exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and agreed on the importance of keeping pressure on Russia and of remaining united and coordinated on further sanctions.
They also discussed terrorism and the attacks in France and Canada over the last several months. Both Canadian and French citizens have gone abroad to take part in extremist activities, and the two countries are looking at ways to counter this. Minister Nicholson expressed his deep concern for the takeover of Iraqi and Syrian territory by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and condemned the acts of violence against civilians.
Minister Nicholson sought the views of Minister Fabius on nuclear negotiations with Iran and thanked France for its contributions to the anti-ISIL coalition.
Minister Nicholson also visited the Great Synagogue of Paris and emphasized Canada’s commitment to confront the old hatred that is anti-Semitism, and any of its modern incarnations.
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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