Agreements reached with Ivory Coast to improve collaboration in education, training, labour force mobility, economy and culture

FREDERICTON (GNB) - The provincial government has signed two bilateral agreements with Ivory Coast focusing on economic relations, youth, education, training, professional mobility and culture.

"The building of strong relationships with other governments of the Francophonie is an asset for New Brunswick's market diversity, the promotion of its expertise, the recruitment of international students, and the development of the international competencies of New Brunswickers," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan.

Hogan is leading a delegation to Ivory Coast and Morocco with representatives from his department along with those from Post-Secondary Education, Labour and Training, Intergovernmental Affairs, Université de Moncton and the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick.

Hogan and Ivory Coast officials signed an agreement on economic relations and labour mobility. It focuses on training, skills development, recognition of professional qualifications and the integration of workers into New Brunswick's job market. The second agreement centred on kindergarten-to-Grade 12 educational co-operation. It aims to enhance collaboration in the areas of elementary and high school teaching, with a focus on sharing pedagogical practices and implementing innovative projects that align with shared priorities.

"These bilateral agreements between New Brunswick and Ivory Coast are focused, mutually beneficial agreements, providing training and opportunities to francophone workers to participate in both economies," said Hogan. "Some of the benefits to New Brunswick see more international students attending our post-secondary institutions, including more than 350 Ivory Coast students at Université de Moncton and Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick."

"I am pleased to see the diversification of the relations between Canada and Ivory Coast," said Anderson Blanc, the Canadian ambassador to Ivory Coast. "The growing co-operation between the Canadian province of New Brunswick and the government of Ivory Coast contributes to strengthen ties between our two countries, which benefits our populations, especially young people."

"The signing of the agreements confirms, without any doubt, the excellent relationship between Ivory Coast and New Brunswick," said Bafétigué Ouattara, Ivory Coast's ambassador to Canada. "These agreements will ultimately allow us to address the challenges faced by young people, including access to a good-quality education, employability and access to economic opportunities. Thanks to this partnership that we want to be a win-win for all, we aim to give our countries essential tools, instruments and human resources to support human, social and economic progress."