Canada–Senegal relations

Canada-Senegal relations

Canada
Senegal

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

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, both 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 September 1966, Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor paid a ten day visit to Canada.[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]

State visits

Prime Ministerial visits from Canada to Senegal[4][5][6][7][8][9]

Presidential visits from Senegal to Canada[10][11]

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 $85 million USD.[12] Since Senegal's independence in 1962, Canada has donated more than $1.3 billion in official development assistance.[13]

Trade and Investment

Embassy of Senegal in Ottawa

In 2015, trade between Canada and Senegal totaled $42.6 million USD.[14] Canada is a major investor in the mining industry of Senegal. Canadian mining companies such as Iamgold and Teranga Gold operate in Senegal.[14] Canadian investments in the mining industry amount to $500 million USD.[15]

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

References

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