Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, during his visit to Ottawa.
During their meeting, Minister Joly commended Nigeria on its strong leadership in West Africa, including through its chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States, which is helping to support stability, peace and development and protecting democratic governance in the region.
The ministers also discussed their two countries' multifaceted relationship; in particular, the growing trade and investment opportunities and engagement on issues of shared interest, including the negotiation of a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement. They noted Canada and Nigeria's strong people-to-people ties and history of collaboration on trade, development and security. Minister Joly reiterated the importance of Canada and Nigeria's strong bilateral relationship.
Minister Joly also welcomed Minister Tuggar's views on how Canada might better support peace, security and democracy efforts in West Africa.
