NEWS RELEASES
SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS IN BEIRUT TO PREPARE FOR FRANCOPHONIE SUMMIT
September 23, 2002 (12:55 p.m. EDT) No. 106
SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS IN BEIRUT TO PREPARE FOR FRANCOPHONIE
SUMMIT
Denis Paradis, Secretary of State for Latin America, Africa and La Francophonie, will visit Beirut, Lebanon, from
September 23 to 25 in preparation for the IXth Summit of La Francophonie.
Secretary of State Paradis will meet with Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Hammud, and with the Minister
of Culture and Chair of the Summit Organizing Committee, Ghassan Salamé, along with his chief associates. He will also
visit with ambassadors of member countries of La Francophonie in Lebanon.
Upon his arrival in Beirut, Secretary of State Paradis emphasized Canada's commitment to cultural diversity and the New
Partnership for Africa's Development. Referring to the previous Summit held in Moncton, he reiterated his interest in the
international Francophonie continuing its efforts on youth-related issues.
The Beirut Summit will take place from October 18 to 20, 2002. The central theme of this conference, bringing together
Heads of State and Government of countries that use French as a common language, will be "Dialogue of Cultures."
To obtain additional information on La Francophonie, please visit the Department's Web site at the following address:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/foreignp/francophonie/menu-e.htm
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Mignault
Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie)
(613) 995-1852
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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