|
Prime Minister of France to visit Canada
October 28, 2005
NEWS RELEASE
Prime Minister Paul Martin today announced that French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin will visit Canada from November 2 to 4, 2005. Prime Minister de Villepin will be accompanied by several members of his government, representing education and research, health, youth and sports, cooperation and La Francophonie, and foreign trade, as well as a senior-level parliamentary, business and scientific delegation.
“Prime Minister de Villepin’s visit underscores the highly productive and friendly relations we share with France,” said the Prime Minister. “France is one of our largest trading partners, and a key friend and ally on many issues of global importance, including climate change, international trade, cooperation on health and international security.”
The two leaders will discuss further strengthening of bilateral political and economic relations, and international cooperation in Haiti, Africa and elsewhere. They will also talk about the strengthening of multilateral institutions and discuss La Francophonie.
In Ottawa, the two prime ministers will have a bilateral meeting to be followed by an expanded meeting with French and Canadian ministers. Prime Minister Martin will host a reception and dinner for Prime Minister de Villepin. The French Prime Minister will also meet with Governor General of Canada Michaëlle Jean. A high-level bilateral economic conference will be held on the margins of the visit.
On November 3 and 4, 2005, Prime Minister de Villepin will travel to Quebec city and Montreal, where he will meet with political and business leaders.
This is Mr. de Villepin’s first official visit to Canada as Prime Minister of France.
The French ministerial delegation accompanying Prime Minister de Villepin will consist of Gilles de Robien, Minister for National Education, Higher Education and Research; Xavier Bertrand, Minister for Health and Solidarity; Jean-François Lamour, Minister for Youth, Sports and Associations; Brigitte Girardin, Minister Delegate for Cooperation, Development and La Francophonie; and Christine Lagarde, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade.
|
