The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with His Excellency Dr. Riad Malki, Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
Minister Joly and Minister Malki discussed the longstanding and vibrant bilateral relationship built on the close people-to-people ties between Canadians and Palestinians. Minister Joly wished Minister Malki a blessed Ramadan, an important time of spiritual contemplation, prayer and charity for Muslim communities around the world.
The ministers discussed the troubling rise of violence in recent weeks and the tragic impact it has had on Palestinians. Minister Joly reaffirmed Canada's unequivocal condemnation of all acts of terrorism and violence committed against civilians and underscored the need for leaders to avoid unilateral acts and inflammatory rhetoric that undermine prospects for peace.
Minister Joly commended the commitments made in Aqaba, Jordan, and Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, that aim to improve cooperation and create conditions for peace. She highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue on matters related to security and noted that Canada stands ready to support all efforts which advance a two-state solution.
The ministers discussed their concerns with respect to settlement activity and its harmful impact on the prospects for peace. Canada firmly opposes the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and condemns settler violence committed against Palestinian civilians and their property.
Minister Joly reiterated Canada's commitment to the goal of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.
