Canada’s Minister of Int’l Dev’t due in Ethiopia this weekend for working visit

Addis Ababa, May 19, 2023 (FBC) – Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today announced that he will visit Ethiopia, Egypt and Chad from May 21 to 27, 2023, Global Affairs of Canada’s official press release confirms.

It is said that he will be accompanied by Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West.

During his visits, the Canadian Minister will engage with various officials on shared priorities such as food and nutrition security, sustainable economies, climate action and biodiversity and advancing gender equality, as well as the humanitarian situation in Sudan and the surrounding region.

He is also expected to visit Canada-funded projects, meeting with development and humanitarian partners and beneficiaries in Ethiopia.

“Canada is committed to working with African countries and key continental organizations, like the African Development Bank Group and the African Union, on shared priorities. I look forward to discussions with my counterparts and many partners over the coming days on how we can continue to strengthen our partnerships and work toward a more prosperous and inclusive Africa that has greater food-system resilience and can better withstand climate change, conflict and other shocks”, stated Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.

“I look forward to learning more about Canada’s engagement in Africa, including successes and unique challenges this diverse continent and its people face, to see how we can come together to create sustainable solutions”, said Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West.

It is mentioned that Canada is the fourth-largest shareholder of the African Development Bank, and the Minister of International Development is Canada’s governor on the Board of Governors.

Moreover, Minister Sajjan will also meet with African Union officials as a follow-up to the first Canada-African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue, which was held in Ottawa in October 2022.

It is noted that Canada is accredited as a permanent observer to the African Union.