Minister Joly is finishing profitable visits to Cyprus, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece

Could 19, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – International Affairs Canada

The Minister of International Affairs, the Honorable Mélanie Joly, right this moment concluded profitable visits to Cyprus, Lebanon, Türkiye and Greece, which came about between Could 13 and 17, 2024.

These visits centered on strengthening bilateral relations, exchanging views on necessary world and regional points and exploring developments within the area.

In Cyprus, Minister Joly spoke to the Minister of International Affairs, Constantinos Kombos. She congratulated Cyprus for receiving the help of the worldwide group to open the ocean hall that enables the supply of humanitarian help to Gaza, and highlighted the donation of 1 million {dollars} that Canada offered to finance improvement help to help hall operations. and expedite direct humanitarian help to Gaza. Throughout her go to, Minister Joly additionally met with the Particular Consultant of the Secretary-Normal of the United Nations and the Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Drive in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, to rejoice 60 years of the United Nations Peacekeeping Drive in Cyprus. She expressed Canada’s dedication to advancing political dialogue to help the reunification of Cyprus.

In Lebanon, Minister Joly spoke with the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, and the interim Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, to reiterate Canada’s unwavering help to the Lebanese folks in addition to the pressing must type a authorities to handle Lebanon’s challenges. Minister Joly additionally mentioned the disaster within the Center East and considerations about growing violence between Hezbollah and Israel alongside the Blue Line. Throughout her keep in Lebanon, Minister Joly additionally met with senior officers, together with the Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Normal Joseph Aoun, and reaffirmed Canada’s dedication to its stability and safety strengthening in Lebanon. She additionally spoke with the Deputy Head of the United Nations Interim Drive Mission in Lebanon, Hervé Lecoq, to ​​emphasize Canada’s help for the complete implementation of United Nations Safety Council Decision 1701, which goals to finish enemies within the south. of the nation.

In Türkiye, Minister Joly met with Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of International Affairs Hakan Fidan and Senior Advisor to the President on Nationwide Safety and International Coverage Akif Çağatay Kılıç. Minister Joly expressed Canada’s dedication to a detailed bilateral relationship and larger cooperation. She additionally met with authorities officers to debate long-term peace and regional stability, notably within the Center East, Ukraine and the South Caucasus.

In Greece, Minister Joly met with the Minister of International Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, to deepen the ties which have existed between the 2 international locations for greater than 80 years. Ministers agreed to construct on the current profitable go to of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Canada, and the leaders’ joint assertion to advertise cooperation in widespread areas, together with commerce and funding, the local weather change and tourism. Minister Joly additionally met with the Minister of Nationwide Protection of Greece, Nikos Dendias, to debate regional and world safety.