Ottawa – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, and Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, met with African Union Commission (AUC) leadership for the second annual Canada-AUC High-Level Dialogue. Minister Ng attended a high-level event at the Canada-AUC Trade Policy Dialogue. The events will take place in Toronto, Ontario.
During the High-Level Dialogue events, the ministers reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to deepening its engagement across the African continent. They met with representatives of the AUC and the African Union (AU), senior officials, stakeholders from civil society and diasporas and youths to strengthen ties and create opportunities across the African continent. They also discussed shared priorities, such as promoting peace and security, democracy and human rights, trade diversification and gender equality and tackling food security.
Minister Joly participated in meetings to discuss how Canada and the AUC can work together within multilateral institutions on shared objectives. She also highlighted Canada’s desire to build further upon the 70 years of its relations with African countries as a reliable and trusted partner in advancing shared priorities and fostering mutual prosperity with African countries. She also underscored the important role of Canada’s Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security in supporting and fostering the role of young women in civil society.
Minister Ng co-chaired an economic cooperation session with Albert Muchanga, the AUC’s Commissioner for Trade and Industry, to advance Canada-AUC trade policy collaboration and promote 2-way trade and investment diversification. She took the opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Canada and Africa and chart a path forward to shared economic prosperity and resilience. Minister Ng also explored ways to expand and diversify Canada-Africa trade and investment partnerships that will benefit businesses, economies and people in Canada and Africa.
Minister Hussen emphasized Canada’s commitment to fostering development partnerships, grounded in its Feminist International Assistance Policy, that benefit both Canada and Africa. He led discussions with AUC representatives that focus on Canada and Africa working closely together on trade, gender equality and skills development for youth. Minister Hussen also underscored Canada’s collaborative approach to maternal health, child nutrition, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, reinforcing Canada’s dedication to supporting resilient African communities and inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Throughout the High-Level Dialogue, the 3 ministers leveraged the talented and energetic African youth population, which is playing an important leadership role across the continent. The long-standing relationship between Canada and the AUC was enhanced with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. A solid partnership between Canada and Africa is fundamental to advancing shared priorities and fostering the mutual prosperity of Canadians and Africans alike.
“Canada is working to strengthen its partnership with African countries and institutions, including the African Union. The African continent is home to the world’s youngest population, which has demonstrated great leadership, including in areas of peace, security and governance. Canada is committed to supporting this work, including through strengthening our people-to-people ties. We look forward to this High-Level Dialogue, which will certainly contribute to supporting that endeavor.”- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Strengthening our ties with the African Union is not only about expanding trade and investment opportunities: it’s about building a foundation for shared prosperity and resilience. By deepening our collaboration with African nations, we are creating pathways for mutual economic growth, empowering businesses on both sides and fostering a future of shared success and opportunity.” – Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
“Canada is committed to strengthening our partnerships across the African continent. From advancing gender equality to building climate resilience, this high-level dialogue marks an important step in deepening our collaboration and supporting Africa-led solutions to shared challenges. Together, we will continue to build stronger and more prosperous communities for all our people.” – Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
“This second edition of the High-Level Dialogue with the African Union will serve to strengthen the Canada-AUC partnership. It will be an opportunity to discuss shared priorities, including partnering on the international stage, youth, peace and security and human rights.” – Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs