Minister Dion welcomes Saudi Arabian counterpart

News Release

December 16, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that he will meet with Adel Al Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his visit to Ottawa tomorrow.

Ministers Dion and Al Jubeir will discuss diverse elements of Canada-Saudi bilateral relations, including trade, education, both regional and international security concerns, and the plight of refugees fleeing the ongoing violence in the region.

Minister Dion also intends to raise the issue of human rights in Saudi Arabia.

Quotes

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an important partner for Canada in efforts to counter terrorism, in contributions to the international coalition combatting ISIL militants and in international efforts to find a political solution in Syria. This visit will facilitate engagement on these issues and help further develop an open dialogue on issues of importance, including the situation of human rights in the Kingdom.”

- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

• Saudi Arabia is an ally in the global coalition against ISIL and a significant player in the international effort to find a political solution in Syria.
• As the world’s leading producer of oil, Saudi Arabia is a key contributor to global energy security.
• Saudi Arabia is the sole Arab member of the G-20 and is Canada’s most significant trading partner in the region, with bilateral trade in goods and services totalling $4.3 billion in 2014.
• Saudi Arabia is host of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretariat, holds the rotating presidency as of this month and has been an active supporter of the Canada-GCC Strategic Dialogue. The Dialogue serves to promote mutual economic prosperity, as well as security and stability in the region.
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to the Two Holy Mosques, at Mecca and Medina, the most significant religious sites for the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims—over 1 million of which live in Canada.

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Hon. Stéphane Dion Global Affairs Canada Government and Politics