Today in Rome, François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with his counterpart from China, Wang Yi, State Councillor and Foreign Minister.
The ministers discussed the importance of global collaboration in the face of COVID-19, including the search for a vaccine, and in the post-COVID recovery.
Minister Champagne again reiterated that the cases of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor remain a top priority for the Government of Canada and that Canada continues to call on China to immediately release both men and to grant clemency to all Canadians facing the death penalty in China.
Canada continues to call for immediate consular access to Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor. China's actions are in violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Finally, the Minister also raised a number of areas of disagreement where Canada continues to make its positions very clear, while committing to ongoing discussions between Canada and China.
Contacts
Syrine Khoury
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
