Canada / Minister Cannon to Visit Mali
OTTAWA, Canada, August 26, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that he will visit Mali from August 28 to 29.
“This visit is significant as Mali will be the first country I visit in sub-Saharan Africa as Minister of Foreign Affairs,” said Minister Cannon. “For a number of years, Mali has been establishing itself as a leader in democratization, human rights, peace and security, and the fight against corruption. Mali is a significant development partner for Canada, and its business opportunities are attracting increasing interest from Canadian companies.”
While in Mali, Minister Cannon will meet with President Amadou Toumani Touré, Prime Minister Modibo Sidibé and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Moctar Ouane.
Minister Cannon will also visit an international peacekeeping school, the only such institution in francophone Africa. An example of Canadian support to African peace and security institutions, Canadian contributions to this school demonstrate Canada’s commitment to strengthening the peacekeeping capacities of francophone countries. These contributions also allow Canada to further promote its values of freedom and democracy, and respect of human rights and the rule of law.
SOURCE
Canada – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
