Readout: Minister of Foreign Affairs continues to coordinate with international partners on respective situations and responses to COVID-19

March 18, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today held individual calls with his counterparts from Barbados, Japan, Saint Lucia and the United Kingdom on the spread of COVID-19 and ensure coordination during this challenging period.

The ministers discussed the response plans in their respective countries, as well as travel restrictions, global border measures and other community-based actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

They also discussed the importance of maintaining the flow of essential goods, supplies and services during this ongoing crisis.

The ministers shared some of the lessons learned from the response activities carried out to date, and discussed the need to support their respective citizens, and those of developing countries, during this challenging period.

The ministers stressed that the health and safety of their citizens is their top priority. They also agreed on the importance of maintaining strong international coordination going forward, and committed to remaining in close touch as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.

Minister Champagne explicitly expressed sincere gratitude to Minister Motegi for Japan’s continued support toward the Canadian passengers of the Diamond Princess, who have been hospitalized in Japan.