Prime Minister Stephen Harper today concluded a successful visit to the Middle East that included stops in Iraq and Kuwait.
During the visit, Prime Minister Harper met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani, to hear first hand of the security, humanitarian and development challenges facing the country. The leaders discussed Canada’s military contribution and collaboration within the international coalition against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), strengthening bilateral relations, and ways to support stability and prosperity in Iraq over the long-term.
To help address a number of the challenges discussed, in Baghdad, Iraq, Prime Minister Harper announced significant new support for life-saving humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the ongoing crises in Iraq and Syria. Among other things, this additional assistance will support the provision of food, clean water, shelter, sanitation, health care and other basic services, and help address sexual and gender-based violence.
In Erbil, Iraq, the Prime Minister announced additional Canadian support for development and stabilization initiatives that will help improve water, sanitation and hygiene; rehabilitate infrastructure and schools; provide psychosocial and child protection services; improve governance; assist investigations into human rights violations in conflict-affected areas; and clear explosive remnants of war. The Prime Minister also announced that Canada would be providing bomb disposal robots and night vision goggles to help support security in Iraq and further protect the lives of Iraqi and international coalition forces.
In Kuwait, the Prime Minister joined members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) stationed there for a meal and an overnight stay to thank them personally for their courage and efforts in the fight against ISIS. He was joined by retired National Hockey League stars Paul Coffey and Ryan Smyth. The Prime Minister also met with the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, whom he thanked for hosting the CAF. The leaders discussed regional security and humanitarian challenges, as well as bilateral issues, including trade and investment. They highlighted 50 years of strong diplomatic relations.
