I'd like to call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 109 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Before we begin, I'd like to ask all members and other in-person participants to consult the cards on the table for guidelines to prevent audio feedback incidents. Please take note of the following preventive measures to protect the health and safety of all participants, including, in particular, the interpreters. Only use an approved black earpiece. Keep your earpiece away from all microphones at all times. When you are not using your earpiece, place it face down on the sticker that has placed on the table for this purpose. Please consult the cards on the table for guidelines. The room layout has been adjusted to increase the distance between the microphones and reduce chances of feedback from an ambient earpiece.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of the members as well as witnesses. Before speaking, please do wait until I recognize you by name. You may speak in the official language of your choice. Interpretation services are available.
In accordance with our routine motion concerning connection tests for witnesses, I'm informed that all witnesses have completed the required connection tests in advance of our meeting.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, January 29, 2024, the committee will now resume its study of Canada's approach to Africa.
I'd now like to welcome our witnesses. We're very fortunate to have here with us three ambassadors. We have Mr. Michael Callen, who is our ambassador in Algeria. We have Mr. Ben Marc Diendéré, the permanent observer to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. As well we have Mr. Christopher Thornley, our high commissioner in the Republic of Kenya.
I should add, just for the benefit of the members, that we hoped that we could also hear from Ambassador Lorraine Anderson, from Cameroon, but unfortunately she thought she had the right headphones, but it came to light that they were not appropriate, so she will not be joining us today.
For the ambassadors, I understand that Ambassador Diendéré will be speaking on behalf of all three ambassadors. Subsequent to that, when there are questions put to you by members and you're running out of time, I will hold this card up, meaning you should tie things up within 10 or 15 seconds.
Ambassador Diendéré, welcome. The floor is yours, and you have five minutes for your opening remarks.