Addis Ababa- Ethiopia. January 17, 2019. Rev. Dr. Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary for foreign Affairs for Canada called on HE Mr. Kwesi Quartey, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union at the AU Headquarters today.

HE Quartey, accompanied by Dr. Admore Kambudzi, the Ag. Director of the Peace and Security Department and Mr Mesfin Tessema Ashagrie, Director Strategic policy planning, Monitoring and evaluation and Resource mobilization, welcomed Dr Oliphant and his team. He extended his condolences to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the families of the Canadians who lost their lives during the recent Iran plan crush saga.

Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant in response, conveyed the greetings of the Prime Minister Justin and reaffirmed the support of Canada to the integration, economic liberation and all development agenda of the African Union. Dr Rev. Oliphant passionately highlighted Canada’s agenda on inclusion of women and girls in peacebuilding process while emphasizing on maternal health and the need to give it the prominence it deserved.

HE Quartey, on his part, briefed the Parliamentary Secretary about the operationalization of the AfCFTA and the promises it holds. He added that, respect for rule of law, education, advancement in science and technology are the catalyst for industrialization and the development of Africa. In this regard, he welcomed on Canada to share experiences in those areas.

The two parties also discussed matters on peace and security, refugee’s response framework, climate change, the Aborigines of Canada and the on-going truth and reconciliation programme, among others.
The meeting ended with the Deputy Chairperson stating that, ‘Canada has been a voice of reason in this increasingly polarized world’ and wished the team the best of luck in its bids to secure a seat on UN Security Council.

The meeting ended with Rev. Dr Oliphant saying a prayer for the continent, the AU and all gathered.

For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@africa-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC Tel. +251 911361185, E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org

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