Collaboration: “Despite the difficulties, we continue to make progress with Burkina Faso…” (Canadian Ambassador Lee-Anne Herman)

The Canadian diplomatic representation in Burkina Faso will therefore resume its National Day celebrations (July 1st each year; the current celebrations are therefore expected) since being suspended in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Ambassador Lee-Anne Herman, the trip is an opportunity to highlight the values ​​Canada holds dear. “Canada is a proud democracy. We have a long democratic tradition, two official languages, a rich multicultural society, a commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and a strong commitment to the rule of law. This is who we are. It is a big reason that attracts immigrants from all over the world to Canada,” said the Ambassador, who then said that the world is currently in the midst of geopolitical turmoil, unpredictability and uncertainty. “In this global geopolitical whirlwind, Canada will always stand by the attacked and continue to defend the rules-based international order and contribute to global security. We know that we are stronger when we stand united with our allies and friends to face major threats to our collective security. Multilateralism and diplomacy are our best hope for peace and stability.” The diplomat reiterated that Canada recognizes the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and supports a two-way solution for democratic states, Israel and Palestine. “Our support for Ukraine remains unwavering. We remain with Burkina Faso in what humanitarians call ‘the most neglected crisis’, helping to address challenges and contributing to supporting people’s resilience, fostering social cohesion and supporting inclusive and sustainable development.”

The diplomat said that 64 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and Burkina Faso, the bond has grown stronger. “Just as the earth and the planet complement each other, we will continue to make progress together with Burkina towards its assumed sovereignty and development, despite challenges and difficulties,” the ambassador assured, noting that commercially, the relationship between the two countries continues to strengthen.

Lee-Anne Hermann said bilateral trade in goods between the two countries has increased in recent years, and Canadian companies continue to play an important role in the development of Burkina Faso’s mining industry.

“In terms of cooperation, guided by a feminist international aid policy and in line with Burkina Faso’s development plan, Canada provides humanitarian assistance to vulnerable groups, helps students, especially girls, stay in school, promotes children’s rights and protects them from violence. Initiatives on health and women’s rights are supported, as are projects aimed at developing a more productive, green and inclusive economy,” said Lee-Anne Hermann.

“Solving the crisis requires support from friendly countries”

The diplomat said Canada is also proud to support awareness of IEDs and weapons and ammunition management through mechanisms such as the Stabilization and Peace Action Program.

“Building strong relations between nations, like the one we have with Burkina Faso, is essential to maintaining peace and order in an increasingly divided world. I cannot overemphasize the importance of mutual communication, negotiation and cooperation in the pursuit of our common goals,” she stressed, before reaffirming her country’s belief in the shared values ​​of democracy, diversity and independence.

At the end of her mission in Burkina Faso, Lee-Anne Herman expressed her reservations about the resilience of the Burkinabe people. “The Burkinabe people have incredible resilience; when I see the women, the young girls, the young boys who are fighting every day, it’s just amazing…” the Ambassador admired.

The Ministerial Delegate for Regional Cooperation, Stella Eldin Cabré, said that the celebrations of Burkina Faso’s 157th anniversary are taking place against the backdrop of a profound multifaceted crisis, the resolution of which requires the support of friendly countries. “The experience of living together in the diversity of Canadian society can be a source of inspiration for Burkina Faso society once we have defeated the terrorists. From this perspective, I want to share with you my conviction that Burkina Faso will be able to find the necessary resources to build a united and strong country to face current and future challenges. Now, I salute our defense and security forces and the volunteers who defend our homeland, who every day, at the cost of great sacrifice, conquer territories previously occupied by terrorists.”

The Ministerial Delegate in charge of regional cooperation said that in order to finally emerge from this crisis, Burkina Faso needs the contribution of partner countries in all areas that can contribute to its development, especially as she pointed out that the crisis has also created an economic counterpart and the Government is working hard to provide appropriate solutions.

She noted that within this dynamic, Canadian investment, particularly in the mining sector, is an important lever for boosting Burkina Faso’s economic development.

“Also to promote this partnership, the Agreement on Guarantees and Protection of Canadian Investments in Burkina Faso, commonly known as APPIE, came into force in October 2017 to guarantee investments of Canadian companies in Burkina Faso”, explains Stella Eldin Cabre She hopes that upon her return to her home country at the end of her mission, the ambassador will convey to the highest authorities the real situation that Burkina Faso is going through.

OL

Lefaso.com