Visafric May 23
As Canadian troops prepare to return home at the end of their six month peacekeeping mission to Eritrea and Ethiopia, David Kilgour, Canada's Secretary of State for Africa and Latin America says he is proud of his country's contribution to the UN peacekeeping force which, he says, has been a success.
Mr. Kilgour, who arrived in Eritrea last night, met with Eritrean Foreign Minister Ali Sayeed Abdela to discuss ways of further strengthening the revitalized relationship between the two countries. The two had met last month when the Eritrean foreign minister paid an official visit to Canada. The visit was a first by a high-ranking Eritrean official and marked the revitalizing of relations between the two countries.
During a luncheon reception hosted by the Canadian embassy attended by high-ranking Eritrean officials, foreign diplomats and Eritreans from Canada, Mr. Kilgour congratulated Eritrea on its 10th Independence anniversary.
"A lot of NGO's from Canada supported independence of Eritrea. Canadians would love to see Eritrea become the Singapore of this part of the world," he said. "I am so impressed by the cleanliness of the city of Asmara and, most importantly, the joy and happiness and friendliness of the people of Eritrea."
Ambassador Joseph Legwaila, Special representative of the Secretary General also congratulated the Canadian Peacekeeping force. Talking about peace in the region, the Ambassador said: "We know that the people of Eritrea and Ethiopia want peace. We are spending sleepless night to bring peace and stability between the two countries and we will bring peace, I am very hopeful that peace will reign in this region."Mr. Legwaila also congratulated Eritreans on their 10th independence anniversary. "This independence of Eritrea did not come easy. The country and the people went through a long fight and they went through a lot to achieve their independence. I would like to congratulate the people and government of Eritrea for their 10th independence anniversary."
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