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Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets the President of France François Hollande
The two leaders reaffirmed the deep and enduring relationship that exists between Canada and France rooted in shared cultural, economic, linguistic and historical ties.
The two leaders discussed the global economy and matters of international security. Prime Minister Harper emphasized his continued willingness to work with France in addressing pressing challenges, including the situations in Syria, in Mali and in the wider Sahel region.
The two leaders also exchanged views on elements of the agenda for the Francophonie Summit, such as the political and security situation in Mali, including the recent resolution at the United Nations. The serious human rights and governance issues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were also discussed. The Prime Minister expressed the government's concerns with the human rights situation in the DRC, including acts of sexual violence against women.
On the economic front, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of concluding an ambitious Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that would create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in Canada and the European Union.
