November 10, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced that he will travel to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) on November 13, 2014.
“Canada and the U.A.E. have a dynamic and ambitious partnership,” said Baird. “Our diplomatic relationship is strong and our trade and business ties are growing.”
Baird welcomed Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the U.A.E., to Canada in March and September 2012 and again in July 2014, when the two ministers agreed on the third review of the Shared Strategic Agenda, which sets out bilateral priorities between the two nations.
“Canada and the U.A.E. continue to work together as like-minded allies in the global fight against terrorism,” said Baird. “I look forward to discussing how we can continue to co-operate in addressing regional challenges, including the threat posed by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in the region, holding Iran to account and supporting the transition in Egypt.”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the U.A.E. Some 40,000 Canadians live and work in the U.A.E., and more than 150 Canadian companies have chosen the U.A.E. as their base of operations for the wider region.
While in the U.A.E., Baird will participate in the Sir Bani Yas Forum, hosted by Sheikh Abdullah, to discuss critical issues of peace and security in the Middle East.
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