The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday concluded a productive visit to Kenya, where she met with Canadians who have been recently evacuated from Sudan and with Kenyan and international partners to discuss shared priorities, including the ongoing conflict in Sudan as well as regional peace and security.
Minister Joly also met with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua. She extended Canada's appreciation for Kenya's support with the recent evacuations of Canadians from Sudan and for its leadership role in support of mediation to resolve the conflict. Minister Joly reiterated that Canada stands ready to support regional efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and remains committed to collaborating with Kenya and other regional partners on other areas of shared interests, including gender equality, trade diversification and human rights. They also discussed the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Kenya, which includes the Canada-Kenya Binational Commission.
Minister Joly also met with representatives of humanitarian partner organizations, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the UN Refugee Agency to discuss the regional humanitarian impacts of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. She reiterated that Canada will continue to work with humanitarian partners to address the needs of vulnerable people affected by the violence and insecurity across Sudan by supporting the provision of emergency food and nutrition assistance, clean water, hygiene, sanitation, and health and protection services.
While meeting with the humanitarian partners, Minister Joly condemned recent violence that has affected humanitarian and healthcare workers and the delivery of assistance in Sudan. She reiterated the obligation of both parties involved in the conflict must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access across the country. Minister Joly reaffirmed Canada's humanitarian contribution of $8.5 million for humanitarian assistance so Kenya can provide access to food, treatment for acute malnutrition and other critical health care, safe water and sanitation, emergency shelter and protection services to those in need.
During her visit, Minister Joly heard from Canadians who have been evacuated from Sudan about their perspectives and experiences. She expressed that Canada will continue to use all available avenues to help Canadians affected by this conflict. Minister Joly also met with staff of the Embassy of Canada in Khartoum and of the High Commission of Canada in Kenya to thank them for their remarkable work in supporting the evacuation of Canadians from Sudan.
