Readout: Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks with counterparts from COVID-19-affected countries

March 15, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, organized a call with his counterparts from countries affected by COVID-19.

The following countries participated:

• Australia
• Brazil
• Germany 
• Italy
• Republic of Korea

The ministers discussed the response plans in their respective countries, as well as travel restrictions, measures at the border and other community-based measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. They agreed that the health and safety of their citizens is the top priority.

The ministers also discussed lessons learned from the response activities carried out to date, as well as the need to support developing countries in tackling this crisis. They agreed to advocate for a science-based approach.

Further, the ministers shared the actions taken by each country to ensure economic resilience.

The ministers committed to continue collaborating together, with other countries, and with the World Health Organization to address the rapidly evolving situation around the world.