The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, met today with H.E. Youssef Raggi, Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and shared priorities for enhanced cooperation.
The ministers reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Canada and Lebanon, founded on strong people-to-people ties, including Canada's vibrant Lebanese diaspora, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity. Minister Anand reiterated Canada's steadfast support for Lebanon while Minister Raggi expressed appreciation for Canada's longstanding partnership and support for the Lebanese people.
The ministers welcomed the launch of the Canada-Lebanon Partnership for Security and Resilience (CLPSR), a new framework that will strengthen cooperation on security, stabilization, humanitarian assistance, governance, and development. The initiative will advance shared priorities in support of a secure, stable, and prosperous Lebanon, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the principle that arms must remain under the exclusive authority of the Lebanese state. To support these objectives and identify new opportunities for collaboration, they agreed to establish an annual senior officials' dialogue. In addition, Canada will contribute to the CLPSR through the following projects:
- Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Capacity
Supports the Lebanese Armed Forces Special Operations Forces through advanced reconnaissance training and instructor capacity-building to enhance Lebanon's ability to counter terrorism and criminality
- Advancing Reconciliation and Social Cohesion
Supports peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts by addressing the legacy of the Lebanese Civil War, promoting intergenerational dialogue, and fostering social cohesion through the engagement of women and youth
- Protecting Civilians from Explosive Threats
Reduces risks from unexploded ordnance in affected communities, supports safe returns and livelihoods, and strengthens the safe management and storage of weapons and ammunition to contribute to stabilization and civilian protection
Both sides discussed developments in southern Lebanon and emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, and supporting efforts to restore lasting security and stability. The ministers reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Trilateral Framework Agreement and exchanged views on ensuring a coordinated and sustainable transition following the planned drawdown of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, including continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and other state institutions. They also underscored the importance of much-needed reforms that strengthen governance and support long-term peace and economic recovery.
The ministers exchanged views on broader regional developments and agreed on the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law in promoting regional peace and security.
Minister Anand stated: "Canada stands with Lebanon in its efforts to strengthen security, advance reforms, and build a more stable and prosperous future. Through the Canada-Lebanon Partnership for Security and Resilience, we are deepening our cooperation and reaffirming our commitment to supporting the Lebanese people and their institutions."
Looking ahead, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between Canada and Lebanon through sustained engagement between officials and agreed to remain in close contact on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, including security, humanitarian and development cooperation, economic recovery, governance reforms, and support for peace and stability in the Middle East, in support of a more secure, stable, and prosperous future.
