Premier Jean Charest will be undertaking an official visit to France on June 29-30, accompanied by Pierre Arcand, Minister of International Relations and Minister Responsible for La Francophonie. The visit will focus on major bilateral and multilateral issues of concern to Québec and France.
Mr. Charest is scheduled to meet with French Prime Minister François Fillon and Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. Topping the agenda will be the implementation of the Understanding on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. This historic agreement represents a milestone in efforts to create a new space for exchanges and innovation that Québec and France hope to see expanded throughout Europe.
Mr. Charest and the French authorities will also discuss the status of negotiations concerning the proposed comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU. The Premier is also scheduled to meet with the Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) at the 13th Francophone Summit, which will be held in Montreux, Switzerland from October 22-24, 2010.
Québec-France relations
Québec-France understanding on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications