The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie during her visit to Paris, France.
During their meeting, Minister Joly reaffirmed Canada's deep commitment to La Francophonie and support for the transformation efforts of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) in order to improve its governance, sound management and transparency. She reiterated the importance that Canada attaches to the French language as well as to the promotion of democracy, the promotion of human rights, and the advancement of gender equality in French-speaking communities.
Minister Joly thanked the Secretary General for her scheduled participation in a meeting of international partners on the situation in Haiti, a meeting that Minister Joly will chair on January 21.
The Minister welcomed the new Francophonie digital strategy, which will help improve the economic development of Francophone populations, strengthen common values and promote the French language. To this end, the Minister reiterated Canada's support for the TV5MONDEplus digital platform, a true showcase for the diversity of French-language content online.
