Thu Sep 26 15:04:58 UTC 2024: ## French and Canadian Leaders Meet Amidst Political Turbulence
**OTTAWA, CANADA** – French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met in Ottawa on Thursday amidst a backdrop of political turmoil for both leaders. The two, once hailed as a “bromance” for their apparent closeness, are now facing similar challenges back home.
Macron, who arrived fresh from addressing the United Nations in New York, has been weakened by his recent legislative election losses, forcing him to share power with a right-wing prime minister. Trudeau, meanwhile, narrowly escaped a no-confidence vote filed by his main political rival, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Despite their internal struggles, the two leaders emphasized the strategic partnership between France and Canada, focusing on their shared language and collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI). Macron will also discuss the revival of French language and culture in Canada, beyond Quebec, with stakeholders in this field.
“Canada is an extremely close country, one of the closest outside the European Union,” stated the French presidency ahead of the visit.
The meeting highlighted the importance of the French-Canadian relationship, particularly with regards to language and cultural preservation. Macron will be attending a Francophonie Summit in France next week.
During their official talks, the leaders discussed AI, a field where Canada is a leader and of particular interest to France, which will host an AI summit in February. Macron also sought to attract Canadian investors to France, despite growing economic concerns stemming from political instability and tax debates in the country.
The meeting concluded with a joint press conference in Montreal, a city with a large French-speaking community. Macron also met with Quebec Premier Francois Legault in Montreal, a significant meeting considering the historical tension between Quebec separatism and the Canadian government.
First Piper 