Prime Minister Trudeau met today with President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta of the Republic of Mali on the margins of the Francophonie Summit in Yerevan.

The Prime Minister congratulated President Keïta on his recent election and encouraged transparency for the upcoming legislative elections later this year.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional security challenges, with the Prime Minister reaffirming Canada’s engagement through its contribution to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). They discussed progress made on the 2015 Peace Agreement, noting the need for continued positive momentum.

The Prime Minister and President welcomed the longstanding bilateral relationship between Canada and Mali, which in 2019 will mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.