NEWS RELEASES
SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS ANNOUNCES AN ADDITIONAL $250,000 FOR FRANCOPHONIE SUMMIT PREPARATIONS
September 26, 2002 (2:10 p.m. EDT) No. 110
SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS ANNOUNCES AN ADDITIONAL $250,000 FOR
FRANCOPHONIE SUMMIT PREPARATIONS
Denis Paradis, Secretary of State for Latin America, Africa and La Francophonie, announced on September 24, during his
visit to Beirut, Lebanon, an additional $250,000 in funding toward preparations for the IXth Summit of La Francophonie.
The central theme of the Summit, to be held in Beirut from October 18 to 20, 2002, will be "Dialogue of Cultures."
"Canada supports the important multidimensional role that La Francophonie plays internationally," said Mr. Paradis. "The
Summit will provide another important opportunity to promote a better understanding among countries of La Francophonie,
especially following the last fall's dramatic events."
The $250,000 is in addition to the over $4 million the Government of Canada has already contributed in logistical
assistance for the Summit. Funding has been committed to purchasing and updating materials and equipment for the event,
including ambulances, computers and communications equipment. The Beirut Summit was postponed last fall due to the
events of September 11.
In meetings with the Chair of the Summit Organizing Committee, Lebanon's Minister of Culture, Ghassan Salamé, Mr.
Paradis praised the hard work that has gone into preparing for the event. Looking ahead to the Summit and the Ministerial
Conference that will precede it, he emphasized Canada's intention to promote coordinated action by La Francophonie on
the New Partnership for Africa's Development and the G8 Africa Action Plan, to benefit the French-speaking countries of
Africa.
Mr. Paradis was accompanied on his trip to Beirut by New Brunswick's Minister of Tourism and Parks and Minister
Responsible for La Francophonie, Paul Robichaud.
The funding announced was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal
framework.
To obtain additional information on La Francophonie, please visit the Department's Web site at:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/foreignp/francophonie/menu-e.htm
- 30 -
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
| 
