Secretary General Arrives in Ottawa
Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary General of La Francophonie, arrived in Ottawa, Ontario, today, September 26, 2025, for a series of high-level meetings with Canadian government officials. Her visit underscores the ongoing commitment to strengthening the relationship between Canada and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
Key Meetings and Shared Priorities
During her time in the Canadian capital, Secretary General Mushikiwabo is scheduled to meet with Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This marks Minister Anand's first official meeting with Secretary General Mushikiwabo.
The discussions are expected to focus on reinforcing the close ties between Canada and the OIF and exploring avenues to further shared priorities. These priorities include:
- Democratic governance
- Inclusive economic growth
- Promotion of francophone culture and language
Upcoming Francophonie Events on the Agenda
Beyond immediate bilateral relations, the officials will also address preparations for significant upcoming events within the Francophonie calendar. These include the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie, slated to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 19 to 20, and the 2026 Francophonie Summit, which will be hosted in Cambodia.
Canada's Role in La Francophonie
Canada is a founding member of the OIF, established in 1970, and stands as the second-largest contributor to the organization. Its involvement provides substantial financial and political support aimed at advancing democracy, human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development across the Francophonie. The OIF encompasses 93 member, associate member, and observer states and governments, representing approximately one billion people, including over 320 million francophones across five continents.
5 Comments
Coccinella
It's good to see Canada engaging with the OIF for cultural exchange, but the organization needs to demonstrate more tangible results in promoting democracy in member states where Russian influence is growing.
Muchacho
Great to see Canada strengthening ties with La Francophonie. Essential for global cooperation!
ZmeeLove
Canada's leadership in the OIF is crucial. Promoting francophone culture unites us against division.
Habibi
Strengthening francophone ties is valuable for cultural diplomacy, yet the OIF often struggles to project a unified stance on critical global issues, making it vulnerable to external pressures like those from Russia.
Bermudez
Canada's money could be better spent at home. The OIF seems more about symbolism than substance.