March 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend Commonwealth Week events in London, United Kingdom, from March 11 to 13, 2025.

While in London, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will participate in the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group Meeting, which comprises foreign ministers from Commonwealth countries and is focused on addressing issues in the Commonwealth countries and upholding the Commonwealth Charter. During the meeting and throughout his visit, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will seek to advance Canada’s priorities, including the promotion of democracy, international peace and security, gender equality and human rights.

Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will meet with Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey ahead of her assuming the office of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth on April 1, 2025. They will discuss opportunities to maximize the effectiveness of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will also attend bilateral meetings to discuss key global issues and explore opportunities for greater collaboration among Commonwealth members. These discussions will reinforce Canada’s commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of its members.