Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to travel to Namibia and Zambia
News release
August 6, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Honourable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will visit Namibia and Zambia from August 7 to 9, 2024.
In Windhoek, Namibia, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will engage with senior government officials on shared priorities, including creating opportunities for young people, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, mining responsibly and building supply chains for critical minerals.
In Lusaka, Zambia, he will meet with senior members of the Zambian government, including Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, to discuss Canada and Zambia’s shared interest in enhancing economic cooperation and creating opportunities for future collaboration in multilateral forums.
During his visits, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will also meet with representatives of civil society organizations supporting inclusion and democracy to discuss domestic and global challenges and human rights.
Throughout his engagements, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to women, peace and security, as well as the importance of the natural resource sectors in Namibia and Zambia.
As Canada actively works on revising its approach to building stronger partnerships with African countries and institutions, this trip will serve as an important opportunity to strengthen engagement on shared priorities, including on good governance, the rule of law and human rights.
Quotes
“The opportunity to deepen Canada’s relationships with Namibia and Zambia is important. I look forward to engaging with government officials and members of civil society and to hearing their views on economic and regional issues.”
- Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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Canada strongly supported Namibia’s independence in 1990, providing military peacekeepers, police monitors, election supervisors and technical experts. Shortly after Namibia achieved independence, the two countries established diplomatic relations.
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Canada and Zambia partner on women, peace and security through the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, which seeks to enhance the meaningful participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping missions while helping improve gender inclusivity in leadership, structures and policies in Zambia’s police services.
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Diplomatic relations between Canada and Zambia date back to 1972.
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