OTTAWA, Canada, February 6, 2014 – International Development Minister Christian Paradis meets with the President of Tanzania, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, to discuss continued collaboration in advancing joint objectives such as improving the health of mothers and young children.
The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, today concluded a successful visit to Tanzania. During this last part of his African trip, Minister Paradis announced a number of new projects that will help Tanzania better manage their natural resources and create prosperity for Tanzanians.
“I conclude this trip with great hope for a bright and self-sufficient future in Tanzania,” said Minister Paradis. “Throughout my visit, I was able to underline Canada’s full support in encouraging sustainable economic development to create prosperity in Africa. By assisting African economies grow more sustainably, Canada is helping to reduce poverty throughout the continent.”
While in Tanzania, Minister Paradis announced a number of new projects. He also participated in a maternal, newborn and child health round table event to discuss innovative approaches in health systems to advance maternal, newborn and child health in Africa. The Minister had meetings with President Jakaya Kikwete to discuss continued collaboration in advancing joint objectives such as improving the health of mothers and young children. He also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bernard Membe; the Minister of Finance, Ms. Saada Mkuya Salum; the Minister of Energy and Minerals, Sospeter Muhongo; and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Seif Seleman Rashidi. In addition, Minister Paradis visited two facilities that are part of Tanzania’s public health and education systems supported by DFATD. The Minister then delivered keynote remarks at an event on Canada’s G8 Partnership with Tanzania on transparency in the extractives sector, originally announced by the Prime Minister at last June’s G8 Summit in Lough Erne.
“Canada is working to save the thousands of mothers who die during pregnancy and childbirth as well as the millions of children who die before their fifth birthday, in Africa and in many other developing regions of the world,” added the Minister. “To do so, it is critical to provide life-saving interventions across the full continuum of care—from pre-pregnancy to childbirth to early childhood.”
Tanzania is one of Canada’s key partners in Africa. Tanzania’s commitment to peace and stability, as well as its effective collaboration in Africa and on the world stage, make it an invaluable partner.