Should I answer immediately?
All right.
I would like to thank you for your question, and especially for the longstanding friendship you have shown to Burkina Faso.
As I said, private Canadian companies are very dynamic in Burkina Faso. We also recognize that in recent years, continental China has made an important breakthrough economically. We currently enjoy trade relations with continental China, but not diplomatic relations. The country we have diplomatic relations with is the Republic of China, or Taiwan. However, we do maintain normal trade relations with continental China. Indeed, we were neighbours when we were on the Security Council, and as such, we would discuss all kinds of issues without that posing any particular problem.
If continental China is now making a major breakthrough in Africa generally, it seems to me it is because of a pragmatic approach which involves making investments of all kinds, particularly in infrastructure and in the social sector, and because it is also trying to facilitate trade between Africa and China. Of course, every country has its own way of doing that, but those are my general comments in response.
I would say it is in the interests of major countries like Canada, the United States and Europe to expand their presence in order to take their rightful position because, as you know, Africa has tremendous potential and is now waking up. And I think that, in future years, it will be induced to play an important role. Naturally, countries that have had long-standing relations with Africa will enjoy reciprocal benefits.
Thank you.