January 19, 2007
No. 11
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, will travel to the Middle East from January 19 to 23,
2007. Minister MacKay will visit Jordan, the West Bank and Israel. During this visit, the
Minister plans to meet with a range of political leaders and civil society representatives
to discuss how Canada can support peace efforts in the Middle East.
“I am looking forward to my first visit to the Middle East, and to this opportunity to
assess the situation on the ground,” said Minister MacKay. “Our message in the region
is clear: we support efforts that will lead to a peaceful and comprehensive resolution to
the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the creation of a Palestinian state.”
On January 19, the Minister will meet with the President of the Palestinian Authority,
Mahmoud Abbas, in Amman, Jordan. The two will discuss President Abbas’ efforts to
resolve the current political impasse, and recent progress on peace prospects with
Israel. On January 20, Minister MacKay will hold meetings with senior Jordanian
government officials, including Foreign Minister Abdelelah M. Al-Khatib.
Minister MacKay will conclude his visit in Israel. There, he will meet with Israeli
government officials, including Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on January 21 and Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert on January 22, where he will review the latest developments in
the peace process and our strong bilateral relations. Later that day, the Minister will
deliver a speech at the Seventh Annual Herzliya Conference on the Balance of Israel’s
National Security.
While in Israel, the Minister will tour Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in
Jerusalem.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
