Ottawa – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today is visiting Côte d’Ivoire on August 19-20, followed by South Africa from August 21-22.
In Abdijan, Côte d’Ivoire, Minister Joly will meet with the Vice-President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné and Minister of Defense, Téné Birahima Ouattara to discuss shared priorities related to counterterrorism and to explore ways to reinforce regional security. She will also have a bilateral meeting with the Minister delegate for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, Ouattara Wautabouna, to address bilateral issues of mutual interest and reaffirm Canada’s deep commitment to La Francophonie.
During her visit to Pretoria and Johannesburg, South Africa, Minister Joly will meet with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, to discuss Canada and South Africa’s economic partnership, mutual environmental priorities, development cooperation and international peace and security. Minister Joly’s engagement in South Africa offers the opportunity to highlight our shared commitments to democracy, security and prosperity, and to pay tribute to the 30th anniversary of the end of apartheid in South Africa.
“I look forward to meeting with officials in Côte d’Ivoire and in South Africa to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to growing bilateral relations and deepening our engagement with African partners.”
– Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs