Joint statement marking Mali’s independence day

September 22, 2018 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following joint statement on Mali’s independence day:

“Today, we join Malians in celebrating their independence and look forward to further strengthening the bilateral relationship between Canada and Mali, strong from almost 50 years of diplomatic relations, and founded on shared values, and increased collaboration. Canada and Mali will continue to work together on reducing poverty, implementing democratic and governance reforms, and helping Mali reach a lasting peace and a better future for all of its citizens.

“Canada reaffirms its commitment to continue working closely with the Government of Mali, the United Nations and other international partners to help build prosperity, stability and security in the country.

“As a friend of the people of Mali, Canada joins all of those celebrating the country’s history, traditions and culture.”