Minister Garneau speaks with Lebanese counterpart

March 25, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with Charbel Wehbe, Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants.

Minister Garneau, during his initial call with Minister Wehbe, reaffirmed Canada’s exceptional people-to-people ties with Lebanon. Minister Garneau thanked his counterpart for Lebanon’s support of the Media Freedom Coalition Ministerial Communiqué and the Canadian-led Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State relations. He also underscored Canada’s unwavering support of the people of Lebanon.

The two ministers discussed the ongoing political and economic crises currently facing Lebanon and their dire effects on the Lebanese people. Minister Garneau reiterated Canada’s desire that Lebanon forms a new government without delay to implement necessary reforms and respond to the aspiration of the Lebanese people. He also emphasized the vital importance of holding Lebanon’s next round of national elections as scheduled in 2022.

Minister Wehbe thanked Canada for its steadfast support of Lebanon and its contribution of $30 million to assist with the aftermath of the devastating Beirut explosion. Minister Garneau reasserted the importance of achieving justice for the victims of this tragedy though a credible and transparent investigation. Minister Garneau also called for a credible, impartial and independent investigation into the assassination of civil society activist Lokman Slim.

Minister Garneau  committed to continue to collaborate and work with Lebanon  to achieve greater peace and stability for the Lebanese people and the region.