During the course of a news conference with French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault - who is visiting Canada for the first time since taking office in May last year -, Canadian Prime Minister announced five initiatives which will strengthen the Canada-France relations even further.

The five initiatives which Harper and Ayrault announced at the news conference in Ottawa are chiefly pertain to the areas of youth mobility, science and technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, social security, climate change.

Moreover, in the commemoration of the involvement of Canada and France in 20th century conflicts, the two leaders announced the Declaration on 20th century conflicts for paying tribute to the sacrifices as well as accomplishments which will Canada and France forever.

The five initiatives announced by Harper and Ayrault are chiefly aimed at facilitating travel of youth between Canada and France for study and other reasons; helping people who have lived or worked in both countries to claim benefits for the time-period they were in the other country; and fostering alliances and exchanges in scientific knowledge, including climate change and the need for reducing greenhouse gases.

Stating that "Canada and France are important friends and allies who share deep historic, cultural, linguistic and commercial ties and who co-operate closely on the world stage," Harper said that the announced initiatives will "help increase the flow of people, scientific knowledge and commerce between our two great countries in the future and celebrate the joint sacrifices and accomplishments of our past."