The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain). Her visit marked the first participation of a G7 Foreign Minister in such a meeting since the recent escalation of conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel.
Minister Anand underscored the importance Canada attaches to its engagement with the GCC collectively and committed to advancing dialogue and cooperation with Gulf partners.
Ministers exchanged views on key regional developments including the situations in Gaza and Lebanon and underscored the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to support regional stability, de-escalation and humanitarian needs. Minister Anand also welcomed ongoing GCC efforts to promote constructive dialogue and regional security across the region.
Ministers recalled the establishment of the Canada-GCC Strategic Dialogue in 2013 and welcomed the renewal of the GCC-Canada Joint Action Plan (JAP) through 2029, reaffirming their shared commitment to a long-term strategic partnership. The Ministers noted that the meeting advanced work on the implementation of the JAP in the areas of trade and investment, energy and mining, research and education and health. Minister Anand underscored Canada's readiness to work closely with the GCC to deliver tangible progress under the JAP.
On regional security, Minister Anand expressed Canada's strong support for efforts to reduce tensions and enhance stability through dialogue, confidence-building measures, and the protection of critical infrastructure and international shipping. She conveyed Canada's solidarity with GCC countries as they continue to be targeted by Iranian strikes.
Ministers highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to regional and global security, and the growing interdependence between maritime security, infrastructure resilience and economic stability, including across critical systems such as energy, logistics and water.
