Thank you, Mr. Bergeron.
Yes, we participated in consultations. Personally, I was new to my position, so I was consulted about what I knew about these issues. I know that efforts are being made both here and there to complete the process quickly.
To be honest, the question at this point is more about whether we are keeping pace with Africa. Consider what is happening in the African Union. As you know, this is a time of great transition. The entire leadership there is changing. Canada is preparing to submit a favourable decision. The decision concerning the name might come up here and there in the discussions. I have followed that and heard it, but my observations on the ground tell me that we are not the only ones considering how we are going to define our engagement with this continent.
I have held discussions with very high-level diplomats from very well-informed countries who are nonetheless also considering how to position themselves and how to define the entire approach they want to undertake with Africa.
This is nothing new for us and it will not be the last time we find the appropriate tone. I am very pleased that we are taking the time to work on this, because this situation may give rise to a lot of disappointments or concerns, particularly regarding the present state of our relationship with the continent.