Garneau reaffirms Canada’s commitment to peace in the region
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau concluded his official state visit to the West Bank Monday evening, with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh and Minister of Foreign Affairs along with several key stakeholders within the region.
This was the first visit to the region since the recent swearing in of the Israeli coalition government. The West Bank remains one of the poorest areas in the the Middle East and lacks the key tools and finances needed to see it flourish. During the meetings, the Minister conveyed that Canada is a firm supporter of the Palestinian people and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive, lasting peace agreement within the region..
Canada has been on record for being in favour of having the people of Palestine self govern while working with key stakeholders in the area and the international community to develop a lasting peace agreement. It has been the goal of every western nation to be the one that brokers a peace agreement in the region that is of substantive and can provide some longevity.
“Canada reaffirms its longstanding support for the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. We continue to believe that a two-state solution is the path to a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Canada will continue to engage with partners in the region and the international community toward peace and security for all peoples in the Middle East.” Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs
With the instability of the region that is at a constant state of war, Minister Morneau conveyed Canada’s disappoint in the postponing of Palestine next general. That being said, Canada did make available over $3 million in financial aid to encourage meaningful participation of women and youth to rebuild the society. These funds will be drawn from the $25 million Prime Minister Trudeau announced in May to support Palestinian civilians.
Minister Garneau restated Canada’s position of a two state solution between Palestine and Israel and further expressed the governments concerns with the ongoing settlement expansion and demolition of homes within the region.
Image source Garneau Twitter feed
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