For Immediate Release

MEDIA ADVISORY
Monday, July 16, 2012

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: (202) 939-5550

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, July 17, 2012, Meridian International Center will launch its new strategic initiative, the U.S.-France Leadership Dialogue in partnership with Association France-Amériques and French-American Cultural Foundation, with support from the Richard Lounsbery Foundation. The Dialogue, a series of forums on significant policy issues held alternately in the United States and France over the next two years, will commence with a bilateral discussion on “Charting a Path Toward Sustainable Growth for the U.S. and France: Priorities for the Next Decade.”

The U.S.-France Leadership Dialogue will engage public and private-sector leaders from the U.S. and France to identify key areas of bilateral cooperation on current economic and social challenges. Throughout the series, participants will aim to develop concrete initiatives that address such challenges and forge real solutions. His Excellency François Delattre, Ambassador of France, and The Honorable Charles H. Rivkin, U.S. Ambassador to France will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the overall Dialogue.

This introductory session will focus on the two nations’ varying approaches to economic recovery and lay the groundwork for the initial forum taking place in Paris this fall, and a Washington forum in early 2013.

WHO: Speakers of the event include: The Honorable Barton J. Gordon, Partner, K&L Gates, Former Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology; Mr. Jim Hoagland, Contributing Editor, The Washington Post; Ambassador Stuart Holliday, President & CEO, Meridian International Center; and Dr. Justin Vaïsse, Director of Research, Center on the United States and Europe and Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy, Brookings Institution.

WHAT: U.S.-France Leadership Dialogue – “Charting a Path Toward Sustainable Growth for the U.S. and France: Priorities for the Next Decade.” The discussion will be held in English.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 6:30pm
Reception to follow the discussion.

WHERE: La Maison Française, Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007-2178

HOW: Interested media persons should contact Emily Jansen
at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (202) 939-5550

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About Meridian International Center Meridian International Center promotes global leadership through the exchange of ideas, people, and culture. Our mission is to create innovative exchange, education, cultural, and policy programs that advance three goals:

• Strengthen U.S. engagement with the world through the power of exchange
• Prepare public and private sector leaders for a complex global future
• Provide a neutral forum for international collaboration across sectors