Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau meets with President François Hollande in Paris

Paris: The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today had his first bilateral meeting with President François Hollande in Paris.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed his condolences and reiterated Canada’s solidarity with the people of France in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks. He restated the Government of Canada’s continuing commitment to coalition efforts to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and to making strong contributions to the fight against terrorism.

The two leaders also discussed the warm and historic relationship the two countries enjoy and ways of deepening it, including through the implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Pressing international issues, including the humanitarian and security situation in Iraq and Syria, the migration challenges facing Europe, and the situation in Ukraine, were also discussed.

The Prime Minister welcomed France’s leadership in the Conference of the Parties (COP-21) process and underlined Canada’s solid commitment to fighting climate change with an effective and sustainable international agreement. The Prime Minister emphasized that Canada intends to work closely with its provinces, territories and international partners to reduce carbon emissions and grow a climate-resilient global economy.

Justin Trudeau said that “Our hearts and prayers go out to our French cousins during this dark and terrible time. The recent terrorist attacks in Paris are not only an attack on the people of France – they are also an attack on our shared ideals. These crimes are an affront to our way of life and the fundamental values we share with our closest allies. Canadians continue to offer our help and support to the government and the people of France in this time of mourning.”

The Prime Minister  Justin Trudeau said that “Canada and France enjoy a close relationship, built on our shared history and strong cultural and economic ties that have fostered growth and cooperation. I look forward to working together with President Hollande to deepen our bilateral relationship. Together, we will focus on pressing international issues, including climate change, something for which the President has demonstrated real leadership.”