UAE-Canada talks: Foreign ministers meet in Abu Dhabi

Image credit: WAM

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, in Abu Dhabi, to discuss bilateral relations and means to strengthen them in a way that serves the mutual interests of the two countries and their peoples.

The two sides discussed the opportunities available to develop bilateral cooperation in several fields, including economic, trade, investment and energy.

The two ministers explored opportunities for cooperation in the environment and climate change, in the backdrop of the UAE hosting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) this year in Expo City Dubai.

Sheikh Abdullah conveyed hope that Joly’s visit would broaden the horizons of pushing Emirati-Canadian relations. He highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the two countries to underscore the opportunities available for joint cooperation in a range of sectors.

The two sides also discussed the latest developments in the Middle East region and ways to protect all civilians from the repercussions of the current crisis as well as efforts to scale up the humanitarian response to the needs of civilians.

The discussions also stressed on the importance of working in a coordinated manner at regional and international levels in order to end extremism, tension and escalating violence in the region and protect the lives of civilians.

UAE – Canada joint committee meeting

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) hosted the first UAE-Canada Joint Committee meeting at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Monday, co-chaired by Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Mélanie Joly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations between the UAE and Canada, and underscored the importance of the inaugural Joint Committee meeting for fostering enhanced collaboration between the two countries to achieve shared goals and interests.

Al Hashimy said, “The Joint Committee serves as a testament to the growing bilateral ties between the UAE and Canada, which have continued to flourish, notably in the economic field. These strengthened relations reflect the shared commitment of both nations to foster cooperation, mutual prosperity, and an enduring partnership that also encompasses cultural, diplomatic, and people-to-people ties.”

For her part, Joly praised the convening of the first Joint Committee meeting and highlighted the keenness of both sides to further advance bilateral relations at all levels.

Joly stated, “The Canada-UAE Joint Committee meeting comes at a critical time in our relationship. From working on initiatives and engaging on issues related to sustainable peace in the Middle East, to climate change and strengthening our trade ties, Canada looks forward to continue collaborating and deepening its multifaceted cooperation with the UAE.”

The Joint Committee meeting was attended by senior officials representing UAE and Canadian Ministries and entities, with bilateral discussions focused on cooperation across a multitude of fields, including defense and security, climate change, food security, trade and investment, innovation, and education.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the co-chairs signed a joint statement and agreed to hold the second round of the Joint Committee in Canada.

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