This memorandum is the result of a France-Canada policy dialogue that I had with Mrs. Girardin in March 2006," said Minister Verner. "I am confident we are heading toward concrete initiatives that will improve development aid effectiveness and its results."

“I am very pleased with this agreement as it shows the close cooperation that exists among francophone countries that are working in development,” said Minister Girardin. “La Francophonie is truly a place of solidarity.”

This roadmap will lead to joint initiatives in the following priority sectors: francophonie, education and training, governance, and the environment, especially across Africa and Haiti. Improving equality between women and men, a priority for Canada, will be at the heart of these collaborative efforts.

On the occasion of the signing, the two ministers paid tribute to the strength of the Franco-Canadian partnership, the francophone vision and solidarity for assisting with the development of countries in the south. Canada and France have long been Francophonie partners, and were the first countries to promote the Francophonie by actively participating in the creation and development of its many institutions. France and Canada are also the two largest donors to the International Francophonie.