News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) - Premier Shawn Graham will meet with Abdou Diouf, secretary general of la Francophonie, during the World Acadian Congress.

Diouf is a former president of Senegal, and will be at the Congress to deliver a lecture on the cultural diversity of the world's Francophonie, its challenges and development potential. The lecture will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Université de Moncton, Shippagan campus.

"The topic resonates with Acadians because the challenges of the Acadian and francophone communities of New Brunswick are placed within the current world context," said Graham. "I am convinced that participants will see the intelligence and wisdom for which Abdou Diouf is renowned."

Diouf will have a busy schedule during his visit. In addition to the lecture, he will visit the Village des îles acadiennes in Lamèque, then travel to Caraquet to take part in an activity organized by the town council.

Diouf was named secretary general of the Francophonie in 2001, highlighting a political career that included being president of Senegal between 1981 and 2000. A champion of democracy and African unity who contributed to his country's economic development, he was also president of the Organization of African Unity and the Economic Community of West African States.