Minister Joly to travel to Cyprus, Lebanon, Türkiye and Greece
News release
May 13, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be travelling to Cyprus, Lebanon, Türkiye and Greece from May 13 to 17, 2024.
In Cyprus, Minister Joly will meet with His Excellency Dr. Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, to exchange views on shared priorities, including efforts to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza as well as regional security. During her visit, Minister Joly will highlight the 60th anniversary of the UNFICYP, and Canada’s significant contribution to peacekeeping on the island.
In Lebanon, Minister Joly will meet with senior government officials and stakeholders. While in Lebanon, Minister Joly will also underscore Canada’s support for Lebanon and Lebanese people in their current challenges and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to regional stability.
In Türkiye, Minister Joly will meet with His Excellency Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, to explore avenues for increased cooperation between Canada and Türkiye. Minister Joly will also meet with government officials to discuss long-term peace and regional stability in the South Caucasus.
In Greece, Minister Joly will meet with His Excellency Giorgos Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, to deepen the long-standing relationship between the two countries and to build on the success of the recent visit to Canada of the Prime Minister of Greece.
Quotes
“The rapidly evolving situations in the Middle East and in the Caucasus continue to have significant repercussions in many communities in Canada and around the world. I look forward to engaging with my counterparts and other stakeholders in Cyprus, Lebanon, Türkiye and Greece to hear their views on these issues and to see how Canada can continue to provide support where needed at this critical time.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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Canada and Cyprus maintain good bilateral and commercial relations. In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries was valued at $118.12 million. Canadian exports totalled $104.7 million, while imports from Cyprus totalled $13.4 million.
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Canada and Lebanon enjoy strong people-to-people ties, with approximately 400,000 Lebanese-Canadians living in Canada. Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $548 million in funding to support Lebanon’s stability and resilience as it copes with the effects of the conflicts in Iraq and Syria and the catastrophic explosion at the Beirut port in 2020.
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The depth and variety of Canada-Türkiye bilateral relations have expanded significantly in recent years, while our countries continue to work closely together in many multilateral forums, including the G20, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
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Canada and Greece’s relationship is based on strong people-to-people ties and shared fundamental values that underpin cooperation on several regional and global issues. Our countries have shared diplomatic and trade relations for more than 80 years, and more than 262,000 Canadians claim Greek descent. In 2023, Canadian exports to Greece were valued at nearly $180.6 million, while imports from Greece increased to more than $404.4 million.
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