Official speeches and statements - August 1, 2016
1. Mali - Meeting between M. François Hollande, President of the Republic, and his Malian counterpart - Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic (Paris, 27/07/2016)
The French President had a meeting with Mr Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President of Mali.
President Keita expressed his solidarity following the Nice and Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray attacks. The Head of State also extended his condolences to him after the killing of 17 Malian soldiers in Nampala on 19 July.
François Hollande confirmed that France will remain engaged alongside Mali in the fight against terrorism and in restoring sovereignty throughout the country. He recalled France’s role in obtaining a mandate and increased resources for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), in accordance with the wishes expressed by the Malian authorities. He also welcomed the progress made in implementing the agreement for peace and reconciliation in Mali, and reiterated France’s willingness to continue its support in order to ensure that every aspect of it is implemented.
Finally, the French President confirmed to his counterpart that the commitments made by France in October 2015 to Mali’s economic and social development will be honoured, thanks to many projects launched in the fields of water, education, health and transport.
2. Attractiveness - Establishment of three new "international tourist zones" (ZTI) - Joint communiqué (Paris, 30/07/2016)
Three new "international tourist zones" (ZTI) have been established in Antibes, Dijon and La Baule under the Growth, Economic Activity and Equal Economic Opportunity Act. The announcement was made by four government officials: Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development; Myriam El Khomri, Minister of Labour, Employment, Vocational Training and Social Dialogue; Emmanuel Macron, Minister of the Economy, Industry, and the Digital Sector; and Matthias Fekl, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism, and French Nationals Abroad.
The establishment of these new zones was instigated by the mayors concerned, following studies conducted by the Economy Ministry. Their outlines were determined following consultations with the mayors, presidents of the metropolitan areas concerned, labour unions and management associations, and professional employer organizations.
This announcement brings the number of such areas to 21, a little less than a year after the enactment of the Growth Act. Twelve had already been established in Paris (on 25 September 2015) and six in Nice, Cannes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Deauville and Val d’Europe (on 5 February 2015).
Retail establishments in these areas can stay open later in the evening and on Sundays, as long as collective bargaining agreements are signed providing for compensation and overtime for workers, and employees fully agree to work these hours.
