Canada–Senegal relations

Canada–Senegal relations are the diplomatic relations between Canada and Senegal. Both nations are members of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.

Canada-Senegal relations
Map indicating locations of Canada and Senegal

Canada
Senegal

History

Canada and Senegal share a brief common history in the fact that both nations were once part of the French colonial empire. During that time period, many Black Canadians today trace their ancestry to West Africa as their ancestors were brought directly to Canada as slaves by the French West India Company or brought in from the United States by traders.[1] During World War II, both nations had troops fight in the Battle of France and in the Italian Campaign.

In April 1960, Senegal obtained its independence from France. In 1962, Canada and Senegal established diplomatic relations.[2] Soon afterwards, Canada opened an embassy in Dakar and in 1975, Senegal reciprocated the gesture by opening an embassy in Ottawa.[2] In 1966 Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor paid a ten-day visit to Canada, starting on 19 September.[3] Since President Senghor's visit, there have been several high level visits between leaders of both nations. Senegal is a major partner for Canada within multilateral institutions, such as the Francophonie and the United Nations.[2]

In February 2020, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau traveled to Senegal and met with President Macky Sall. During the press conference, Prime Minister Trudeau raised the issue of LGBT rights in Senegal with President Sall stating that Senegal was comfortable with their laws.[4]

High-level visits

High-level visits from Canada to Senegal[5][6][7][8][9][10]

High-level visits from Senegal to Canada[11][12]

Bilateral relations

In 2001, Canada and Senegal signed a Double Taxation Agreement and a Customs Duties Exemption Agreement in 2004.[2] In 2012 an Air Transportation Agreement was signed and that same year both nations concluded negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) agreement. In 2015, Canadian aid to Senegal amounted to US$85 million.[13] Since Senegal's independence in 1962, Canada has donated more than $1.3 billion in official development assistance.[14]

Trade and investment
Embassy of Senegal in Ottawa

In 2015, trade between Canada and Senegal totaled US$42.6 million.[15] Canada is a major investor in the mining industry of Senegal. Canadian mining companies such as Iamgold and Teranga Gold operate in Senegal.[15] Canadian investments in the mining industry amount to US$500 million.[16]

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

References
  1. "It happened here, too: the story of slavery in Canada". Archived from the original on 2018-12-13. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
  2. Canada - Senegal Relations
  3. Today in Canadian History: September 19, 1966 - Leopold Senghor, President of Senegal, arrives in Canada for 10-day visit
  4. Canadian PM Trudeau raises gay rights with Senegal leader
  5. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau considers his African and latin-American...
  6. RT. Hon. Brian Mulroney
  7. "Chretien impressed by leaders". Archived from the original on 2020-06-05. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
  8. Jean Chrétien à Dakar (in French)
  9. Harper sows hope in Senegal, carries 'concerns' on to Congo
  10. Harper Announces $500 Million In Vaccination Aid In Senegal
  11. Abdoulaye Wade in Quebec
  12. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the President of Senegal, Macky Sall
  13. Canadian International Development Platform
  14. "Global Affairs Canada: Senegal". Archived from the original on 2017-05-04. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
  15. Trade Relations between Canada and Senegal
  16. Senegal a possible 'hub' for Canadian investment in Africa: Harper
  17. Embassy of Canada in Senegal
  18. Embassy of Senegal in Ottawa (in French)
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