African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Receives Canada's Minister of International Cooperation

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 10, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr. Jean Ping, received at the Commission's Headquarters on Wednesday, 09 May 2012, Canada's Minister of International Cooperation, Hon. Beverley J. Oda, who is in Addis Ababa to attend the World Economic Forum, currently taking place in the Ethiopian capital.

Welcoming the Honourable Minister, the Chairperson paid tribute to Canada for its sustained commitment to the development of Africa, with a special focus on the Continent's food security.

On her part, the Canadian Minister reiterated her country's full commitment to the consolidation of cooperation ties with the African Union and its Member States, despite the current challenging global economic environment.

Both personalities exchanged views on a broad range of issues, including the 38th G8 Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Camp David, the US Presidential Retreat near Washington, D.C., on 18 and 19 May 2012. The agenda of the Summit will include food security, an issue of critical importance to Africa and great interest to Canada.

In that context, Hon. Oda pointed out that 60 percent of Canada's humanitarian assistance, including food security aid, is directed towards Africa.

The Chairperson and the Honourable Minister also discussed the latest developments in some African countries, particularly Mali, and expressed the dedication of the African Union and Canada to the speedy restoration of peace and security in the country.

The Canadian Minister was accompanied, among others, by Canada's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Observer to the African Union, H.E. Mrs. Michèle Lévesque and the Minister-Counsellor and Head of Development Cooperation at the Canadian Embassy in Ethiopia, Mr. Edmond D. Wega, while the Chairperson was flanked by his Chief of Staff and Political/Diplomatic Advisor.