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Oct 3, 2024 1:23 PM - Connect Newsroom - Jasmine Singh with files from The Canadian Press

Trudeau headed to Francophonie summit in France

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France is taking over the presidency of the Summit's theme will be to "create, innovate and do business in French". (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is travelling to France today to attend the Francophonie summit, where discussions on French-language cooperation are expected to share the stage with growing concerns about conflict in the Middle East.

The two-day summit, taking place Thursday and Friday in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, brings together leaders from French-speaking countries around the world. France will assume the presidency of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) from Tunisia during the event.

Officials say this year’s theme: “Create, innovate and do business in French” - aims to strengthen cultural, linguistic, and economic collaboration among member nations. Leaders are also expected to discuss ways to promote the French language globally, expand digital inclusion, and confront current geopolitical challenges.

Trudeau’s visit comes as Canada continues to navigate international crises, including escalating violence in the Middle East and ongoing debates about global democratic cooperation - topics likely to surface during this year’s Francophonie discussions.

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