The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday spoke with Dr. Riad Malki, Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
The ministers discussed the importance of the strong bilateral relationship and people-to-people ties between Canadians and Palestinians. Minister Joly highlighted the wide reaching impacts of Putin's war of aggression in Ukraine, including the global food security crisis, which is affecting the world's most vulnerable populations.
Minister Joly reiterated Canada's condolences for the killing of Palestinian-American Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. She underscored Canada's support for a full and thorough investigation and the importance of protecting journalists from harm and violence in all its forms.
The ministers discussed their concerns with respect to settlements, evictions and demolitions, and their impacts on the prospect for peace. Minister Joly reiterated Canada's continued commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel. Minister Joly also reiterated Canada's support for the Status Quo of holy sites in Jerusalem, and Jordan's special role.
