Minister Champagne concludes visit to Mali, continues on to Morocco

News release

January 23, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a visit to Mali that focused on the important and long-standing bilateral relationship between the 2 countries.

Canada and Mali have been close partners for more than 50 years. Canada is one of the primary donors of international assistance to Mali and is actively engaged in efforts to further its peace and security, including through the deployment of military and police expertise to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Canada has also been integral in providing essential aeromedical evacuation, transport and logistical support to the mission in Mali.

While in Mali, the Minister met with the President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, as well as with Tiébilé Dramé, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Amadou Koïta, Minister for Malians Living Abroad.

He also met with the leadership of MINUSMA and with Canadian police and military officers currently deployed as part of peacekeeping and stabilization efforts as well as representatives of civil society and of Canadian mining companies.

During his visit, Minister Champagne announced funding for 8 projects totalling more than $78.9 million, as well as the deployment of 2 police trainers to the Alioune Blondin Beye Peacekeeping School in Bamako, Mali.

Minister Champagne will continue to Morocco, where he will meet with Prime Minister Saad al-Din al-Othmani, as well as with Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to will discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations between the 2 countries in areas of mutual interest such as economic growth, trade, education, gender equality and development.

Quotes

“My visit to Mali underscored for me the importance of Canada’s continued commitment to the success of this magnificent country and to its stability and prosperity. I look forward to working with the people of Mali and their government to make this partnership even stronger in the years to come.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs

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Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

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