The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be travelling to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from March 6 to 9, 2024. She will then visit Israel, Jerusalem and the West Bank from March 10 to 13, 2024.
During her trip, Minister Joly will meet with her regional counterparts, foreign officials and stakeholders to exchange views on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. She will reiterate Canada's unequivocal condemnation of Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, and its use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tactic of war, and underscore Canada's engagement on efforts to facilitate the release of all hostages. She will highlight the need to increase critical humanitarian assistance to Gaza and exchange views on the steps needed to help establish pathways towards sustainable peace and security.
Minister Joly will reaffirm Canada's unwavering support for a path to a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace, security, and dignity with Israel. She will continue engaging with partners on efforts to assist Canadians and their family members to leave Gaza. She will also meet with international humanitarian organizations to discuss their work related to sexual and gender-based violence and the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
