April 11, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met today for the first time with H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

During the meeting, Minister Joly reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s partnership with the African Union Commission, as Canada celebrates 15 years as an accredited permanent observer to the African Union.

Minister Joly discussed the importance of strengthening partnership on shared priorities in peace and security, including promoting the role of women and youth. She shared her grave concern over the current crises unfolding in Africa, welcomed the African Union’s constructive engagement in working to address them, and reiterated that Canada stands ready to support African-led solutions.

Canada was proud to host the first Canada-African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue in October 2022. We look forward to continuing to deepen our partnership with the African Union through political, security, commercial and development cooperation efforts on the African continent, which will be discussed at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue in the fall of 2024.

Minister Joly reiterated that Canada is committed to working with the African Union, including on promoting and protecting human rights, good governance, accountability and peacekeeping.

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