NEWS RELEASES
MEETING BETWEEN PARADIS AND BOUTROS-GHALI ON THE INTERNATIONAL FRANCOPHONIE
February 13, 2002 (2:30 p.m. EST) No. 12
MEETING BETWEEN PARADIS AND BOUTROS-GHALI ON
THE INTERNATIONAL FRANCOPHONIE
Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie), Denis Paradis, has just completed the first part of a working
visit to France and Belgium from February 11 to 14, 2002. In Paris, he met Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary-General
of the International Organization of the Francophonie, as well as Mr. Charles Josselin, the French Minister Delegate for
Cooperation and the Francophonie. During a visit to the headquarters of the Intergovernmental Agency of the
Francophonie, he also held discussions with the agency's chief executive, Mr. Roger Dehaybe, before meeting the many
Canadians who work there.
Mr. Paradis met Mr. Boutros-Ghali to review the major issues of La Francophonie before the next Summit, which will be
held in Beirut next October. "Canada plans to continue playing a leading role in La Francophonie," Secretary of State
Paradis said.
Mr. Paradis spoke in favour of strengthening the political aspects La Francophonie. "I am proud of the progress made by
the Francophonie in the areas of democracy, rights and freedom. We must use all of our political strength in these areas,
especially with member countries in crisis," added Mr. Paradis.
In Paris, the Secretary of State and Ambassador Raymond Chrétien participated in the launch of Zacharias Kunut's film
Atanarjuat--The Fast Runner. The film is a tribute to the cultural diversity that Canada promotes.
For further information on La Francophonie, 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:
Geneviève Tremblay
Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie)
(613) 944-3403
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
| 
