When Canada’s foreign minister John Baird visited Egypt on Jan. 14 and 15, Canadian media mostly focused on his failed attempt to secure the release of Mohamed Fahmy, one of the four Al-Jazeera journalists currently jailed there, and a citizen of both countries. But Baird’s visit also came with a slew of announcements for new cooperation agreements that confirm Canada’s intentions of putting international development to the service of its “economic diplomacy.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development announced support for a skills development program run by Aga Khan Foundation Canada for young women and men in the Aswan region in southern Egypt, as well as an educational program to be implemented by Save the Children Canada, Plan Canada and CARE Canada in communities where Syrian refugees have been relocated.
About the author
Flavie Halaisflaviehalais
Flavie Halais is a freelance journalist based in Montreal who covers cities and international social issues. In 2013-2014, Flavie was an Aga Khan Foundation Canada International Fellow, reporting for Nation Media Group in Nairobi, Kenya. She’s also reported from Rwanda, Brazil and Colombia.
