(Montreal) French President Emmanuel Macron will come to Canada on September 25 and 26, more precisely to Ottawa and Montreal.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office made the announcement Thursday, noting that this will be Macron’s second visit to the country. His visit will follow the two leaders’ participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said that this will be another opportunity to strengthen the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
Topics on the agenda include Canada and France’s support for Ukraine, which is the victim of a war of invasion by Russia, as well as topics of common interest such as strengthening the two countries’ capacity to respond to emerging threats such as disinformation.
The press release states that in Montreal, the Prime Minister of Canada will highlight the qualified workforce and the possibilities for innovation in science, research and development.
The Francophonie Summit, which will take place next month in France, will also be discussed. “This visit will highlight our countries’ commitment to promoting the French language and the institutions of the Francophonie,” the Prime Minister’s office said.
“France is not only one of Canada’s most important allies, but also one of our closest, sharing our history, culture and values. I look forward to welcoming President Macron to Canada to continue our important work to advance our shared priorities and build a more peaceful and prosperous future for people on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand reacted Thursday afternoon by saying he had a “very poor” understanding of why President Macron would be welcomed in Montreal rather than Quebec City next week.
“I am delighted that the French president is visiting Quebec. However, I have a hard time understanding why it is still necessary to remind people that the National Capital is the official reception area for dignitaries,” he said in a statement sent to the media.
“It is written into the law, adopted in 2016. The National Assembly of Quebec has repeatedly stated this, and as recently as last April. We must stop making it a wish and take steps to make it a reality,” he added.