AMMAN — Canada’s minister of foreign affairs on Friday said he is
keen on hearing Jordan’s views on pressing issues such as the two-state
solution, the COVID-19 pandemic, and stability in the region.
اضافة اعلان
The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau landed in Jordan on
Thursday for his “first official bilateral visit since becoming foreign affairs
minister earlier this year,” he told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, in an
interview.
The Canadian minister said that in the coming days he will travel to the
West Bank and Israel to look for ways Canada might be able to play a role in
any future dialogue towards a two-state solution.
“Jordan’s insight is invaluable due to the vital role you continue to play
for the cause of peace and security in the region, notably as custodian of the
holy sites in Jerusalem," he added.
The minister then turned to Jordanian-Canadian ties, highlighting the
countries’ free trade agreement, adding that it is the only free trade
agreement Canada has with an Arab nation.
Canadian exports to Jordan reached over $85 million in 2020, while Jordan’s
exports to Canada were over $114 million, despite the pandemic, the minister
said.
Garneau added: “In recognition of our enduring friendship and your important
contribution, Jordan is a focus country of Canada’s Middle East Strategy,
through which we have committed $575 million for Jordan since 2016 to support
development, humanitarian assistance, civilian stabilization and security assistance.”
"COVID 19 reminds us how important cooperation really is. Around the world, we recognize that the
pandemic has pushed people back into poverty,” the minister said, adding that
Canada is proud to support Jordan’s efforts to vaccinate refugees.
“Canada also knows that the Kingdom’s economic development will be helped by
advancing gender equality, including encouraging more opportunities for women
in the workplace and women entrepreneurs.”
Garneau said both Canada and Jordan also share close collaboration when it
comes to defense and border protection, highlighting security and stabilization
agreements.
In regards to the Palestinian cause and UNRWA, Garneau said that his country
is "profoundly concerned and saddened by the loss of lives and
humanitarian impact of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in May, as
well as on those affected by violence in the West Bank.”
Canada is committed to supporting a two-state solution and “stands firmly
with both the Palestinian and Israeli people in their right to live in peace,
security, with dignity, without fear, and with their human rights fully
respected,” the minister said in his interview with Petra.
“We also believe Jordan’s custodianship over holy sites in Jerusalem must be
respected. We remain gravely concerned by continued settlements, evictions, and
demolitions, including the ongoing cases in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan,"
Garneau said.
