Mr. Speaker, I welcome debate during this pivotal moment for the region and the world.I rise having just returned from visiting the Middle East, where I met with my counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Canada and Iraq’s friendly ties and good bilateral relationship are supported by shared interests and a commitment to advance security, stability and prosperity in Iraq and the region. Since 2016, Canada has supported development assistance in Iraq to strengthen good governance, advance gender equality, address climate change and promote the economic empowerment of women and girls.
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, met with her APEP counterparts to discuss ways to deepen regional economic integration and develop sustainable, inclusive approaches to trade and investment.
Launched in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 2, 2024, the coalition is a joint initiative by Ukraine and Canada to coordinate efforts and cooperation between Canada, Ukraine and partner states to address the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia. As of today, 33 countries have become active members of the coalition and will combine their efforts to reunite Ukrainian children with their families and ensure their safe reintegration into families and communities...
Minister Hussen began his trip in Madagascar, where he met with participants in Generation Unlimited, a UNICEF initiative supported by Canada aimed at building green skills for youth employment while creating mentorship and internships...
The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children is a joint initiative by Ukraine and Canada to coordinate collective efforts and cooperation between Canada, Ukraine and partner states to address the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia. Thirty-three countries have now become active members of the coalition. They will combine their efforts to reunite Ukrainian children with their families and ensure their safe reintegration into families and communities...
“Canada is deeply concerned by the flawed electoral process that concluded in Russia on March 17, 2024. Russia has violated international commitments on the conduct of elections that it had previously accepted, including those in the 1990 Copenhagen Document. Canada condemns the conduct of voting in occupied territories of Ukraine, which is a blatant breach of international law..."
The ministers will meet to discuss ways to enhance the growing Canada-Iraq relationship, including through diplomatic engagement and cooperation bilaterally and multilaterally, and expansion of bilateral trade...
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, and with the Palestinian Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs, Riad Malki, while visiting the West Bank.