Today, the Prime Minister spoke by telephone with President Patrice Talon of Benin to express Canada’s support for a second term for Michaëlle Jean as Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. President Talon remarked that Ms. Jean has been an exceptional representative for Africa at the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, and noted his appreciation for her many contributions to, and her good work within, the Organisation.

The two leaders also discussed advancing the values of democracy and human rights, and in that context, the Prime Minister congratulated President Talon for abolishing the death penalty in Benin. The leaders spoke of the recent progress made in Benin.

The two leaders agreed to talk again at the XVII Francophonie Summit in Erevan, Armenia.