Prime Minister of Canada on official visit to Senegal

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (R) met with Senegalese President Macky Sall (L) this Wednesday, February 12. REUTERS / Moustafa Chaiteeli

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Justin Trudeau met this Wednesday February 12 with President Macky Sall in Dakar. A trip to consolidate cooperation between the two countries, and strengthen the economic partnership. It is also an opportunity for Canada to advocate for a seat on the UN Security Council. The sensitive issue of homosexuality, penalized in Senegal, was also raised.

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With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac

They are silent and call each other by their first names. The Senegalese President and the Canadian Prime Minister have emphasized the age-old relations between the two countries since 1962. Relations based on " a common language and values ". And Canada can count on Senegal's support in its campaign to obtain a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in June.

" We need Canada's voice on the Security Council," says Macky Sall. I think it is a voice that will reason and that it will be a reasonable voice. Canada has our full support in this election. "

On the economic front, the two leaders speak of a “ growth potential ”, notably in the mining, oil and gas sector. They recall the military cooperation between the two countries, with the training of Senegalese officers in peacekeeping operations. Another priority for the Prime Minister of Canada: gender equality

" Tomorrow, I will meet Senegalese women who participate in peace missions, thanks to Senegal's participation in the LC initiative, which consists in encouraging that many more peacekeeping operations have many more women ", announced the Prime Minister of Canada.

The sensitive issue of homosexuality

Asked about the criminalization of homosexuality in Senegal, Justin Trudeau said he had discussed it with the Senegalese president. " I am always in the defense of human rights, wherever I go and we talked about it briefly, but above all we are looking at how Senegal is a leader in terms of democracy, values. We all have more work to do, but we have had very good discussions on this. "

In Senegal, the law provides for one to 5 years in prison for " immodest or unnatural act with an individual of the same sex " - this is the legal term. Macky Sall's response: decriminalization of homosexuality is not on the agenda.

" I respect his choice to be an advocate, but the laws of our country follow standards that are a digest of our values ​​of culture and civilization. It has nothing to do with homophobia. But neither can we ask Senegal to say tomorrow "we legalize homosexuality", "tomorrow is gay pride", etc. Society will evolve, it will take the time it will take . "The president resumed his statement in Wolof," so that things are clear. "

And when a Canadian journalist questions him on " the difference between homophobia and the laws which sanction homosexual relations ", the head of state kicks in touch: " I will explain to you next, what is the difference . "

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  • Canada
  • Senegal
  • Macky Sall
  • Justin Trudeau

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