Laurent Fabius will today host at the ministry the launch of the “small-scale food producers” mobile app released by Gault et Millau, which will be represented by its executive director, Côme de Cherisey. Martine Pinville, Minister of State for Commerce, Small-Scale Industry, Consumer Affairs and the Social and Solidarity Economy will also take part in this event.

This app uses geolocation to help find artisans among the 3,000 selected by Gault et Millau all over France.

This initiative boosts the attractiveness of our country to tourists by raising awareness of French gastronomy and the artisans who support it on a daily basis.

Slovenia - Meeting between Harlem Désir and Miro Cerar, Slovenian Prime Minister (Paris, July 8, 2015)

Harlem Désir, Minister of State for European Affairs, will today meet with Miro Cerar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who is conducting his first official visit to France. On this occasion, they will discuss the strengthening of our bilateral relations, particularly in the economic sphere.

Mr. Désir and Mr. Cerar will also discuss the major topical European issues, notably including the situation in Greece and the response to the challenges of migration, as well as cooperation with the Western Balkans; our two countries are strongly committed to this cooperation within the framework of the Brdo-Brijuni Process.

Climate - COP21 – Meeting between Annick Girardin and African ambassadors in France (Paris, July 8)

Annick Girardin, minister of state for development and francophony, welcomed the ambassadors of African nations ahead of the Paris Climate Conference (COP21).

With that continent particularly affected by climate disruption, Ms. Girardin emphasized the importance of African efforts to the conference’s success.

Discussions covered the status of current negotiations and underscored the importance of solutions proposed by the countries of Africa to link the fight against poverty with the preservation of the planet. Ms. Girardin emphasized the G7’s commitment to supporting the African request for the development of sustainable energies.

Syria - Kidnapping of Father Dhiya Aziz (July 7)

France condemns yesterday’s kidnapping by Jahbat al-Nusra of Father Dhiya Aziz, an Iraqi Franciscan priest, in the Syrian village of Yacubiyeh. This kidnapping comes in the wake of other abductions of religious figures, notably Father Jacques Mourad in May and, before that, Father Paolo Dall'Oglio and the two bishops of Aleppo. We call for the release of all those who were kidnapped and express our solidarity with their families and the affected churches.

France condemns the forced disappearances and kidnappings, as well as all acts of violence committed against civilians in Syria. It notes that these may be considered war crimes and crimes against humanity. Those responsible for these barbaric acts of any kind must be held accountable.

Cultural update - Brazil - Anima Mundi animation festival (July 9-22)

France is in the spotlight at the 23rd edition of South America’s largest animation festival, Anima Mundi, which runs from July 9-15 in Rio de Janeiro and from July 16-22 in Sao Paulo, and enjoys the support of the French Embassy in Brazil. Nearly 50 French films will be presented.

The two French schools, Les Gobelins and Rubika, will be represented along with the French studio Ubisoft, a world leader in the creation, production and distribution of video games and interactive services. The festival will also welcome eight French film professionals, including Bastien Dubois (the director of Madagascar, Carnet de Voyage) and independent producer Nicolas Schmerkin (whose Logorama won an Oscar in 2009 for best animated short film).

The festival will screen special previews of two animated French films, Le Petit Prince and Le Chant de la Mer.

For more information, visit www.animamundi.com.br.