French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has just started a three-day visit to Canada, as well as to Quebec. The head of government first met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau. Together, the two men addressed issues such as the war in Ukraine, Haiti, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. They also signed economic and climate agreements. The future of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, Ceta, was also the subject of discussions
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With our correspondent in Montreal, Pascale Guéricolas
For six years, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, Ceta, has linked Canada and the European Union. Its rejection by the French Senate, three weeks ago, could cause concern on the Canadian side, because it risks compromising its ratification. Gabriel Attal therefore took care to reiterate his support for an alliance which benefits French farmers who, according to him, criticize it.
“ Trade between our two countries has increased by more than a third. They progressed in a balanced manner. As for French agriculture, the agricultural and agri-food surplus has tripled. There would be a lot to lose for the French economy, overall for our economies, if Ceta did not apply. »
Without giving details, the Prime Minister indicated to his Canadian counterpart that this agreement would be presented again to French deputies. For Justin Trudeau, France could not count on a better partner anyway. “ If a country does not want or cannot have free trade with a progressive, open and responsible country, with which country would you want to make a free trade agreement? »
Trade between France and Canada currently represents around 10 billion euros.
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