Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Sunday met with several leaders of African countries to discuss the financial crisis and bilateral cooperation on the sidelines of the Francophonie summit in Quebec City, officials said.
During his meeting with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Harper addressed the global financial crisis and economic relations between Canada and Algeria, said a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office Sunday morning.
They also discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between the two countries and enhance the relationship between Algeria and La Francophonie.
As Algeria is not a member of the Francophonie, Bouteflika is attending the summit as a special guest. He also attended the Beirut 2002 and Ouagadougou 2004 Francophonie summit.
Harper discussed with Malian President Amadou Toure about the Canadian aid programs in Mali, saying Canada will play a more important role in the improvement of the education, health and finance in the country.
Representatives from 55 member countries and 13 observer nations are attending the 12th Summit of the International Organization of Francophonie in Quebec City. The current financial crisis has become a hot topic during the three-day summit.