During talks in Ottawa, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have expressed their shared vision on several topics – from working towards "open and decarbonised" economies and promoting the French language, to calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
This week's visit by the French president, his second since he came to power, was also an opportunity for the two leaders to set aside for a moment their respective domestic political challenges.
"France and Canada share a beautiful common language and shared values," Trudeau said on Thursday, adding it was important to spread these values and have "a positive impact in these times of great challenges."
"We have an extremely aligned agenda. We believe in open economies, we believe in the decarbonisation of our economies," said Macron.
The two nations also announced they would strengthen their defense partnership and support for Ukraine.
The meeting of the prime minister, 52, and his guest, 46, who both embodied a new generation of young, optimistic leaders, comes as both are now experiencing political headwinds.
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At a 2017 G7 summit in Italy, shortly after Macron's election, their chumminess – dubbed a diplomatic "bromance" – spurred global headlines.
But seven years later, Macron is in a weakened position, having lost legislative elections that he himself called, forcing him to share power with a right-wing prime minister.
Trudeau, abandoned by his main leftist ally and unpopular after nine years in office, survived a motion of no confidence on Wednesday, hours before Macron landed.
Lebanon ceasefire
At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Macron and Trudeau called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.
"Israel must stop its strikes and Hezbollah must stop its retaliation," said the French president, adding that he does not want to see Lebanon become "the new Gaza".
The French leader faced a tense confrontation with protesters who were critical of France’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Shouting "Shame on you" and accusing Macron of having "blood on his hands," the protesters voiced anger over what they saw as France's tacit support for Israeli military actions.
Macron engaged with the demonstrators, responding in English. He denied the claims, insisting that France is calling for a ceasefire and has not supplied arms to Israel.
However, his explanations did little to calm the protesters, some demanding he "resign" if he cannot effect change.
After the encounter, Macron continued his visit, meeting with Quebec Premier François Legault.
Speaking to journalists later, he acknowledged the deep emotions surrounding the Gaza conflict but criticised the "unacceptable" comments made by the protesters.
French language
Earlier in the day, Macron discussed the revival of French language and culture in Canada – where it is in decline – with stakeholders.
The French language must not only "resist," but "we can continue to inoculate it in the younger generations," he told francophones from English-speaking provinces.
Canada is a bilingual country but Quebec is the only province with a French-speaking majority.
Quebec has a French community of nearly 200,000 people.
(with AFP)
