Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Permanent Representatives of the Arab League countries at the United Nations to discuss Canada’s candidacy to serve on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2021-2022.
The Prime Minister welcomed the close ties between Canada and the Arab League countries, noting that over one million Arab-Canadians call Canada home. He highlighted their important contributions to Canada’s diversity.
The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s commitment to be a productive and collaborative UNSC member, focused on working together with partners to address complex global issues. He pointed to the challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing the health and economic impacts of the pandemic, and highlighting the central role of the United Nations in the international response.
Prime Minister Trudeau spoke of Canada’s important contributions to peace and security in the Middle East. These include participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) mission in Iraq, the multilateral coalition in the fight against Daesh, and the global response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. The Prime Minister also highlighted Canada’s humanitarian and development assistance for Palestinians.
Prime Minister Trudeau and the Permanent Representatives discussed the importance of promoting peace and security in the Middle East, with the Prime Minister reaffirming Canada’s longstanding support for a two-state solution based on a negotiated agreement between the parties.
The Prime Minister and the Permanent Representatives exchanged views on other key international issues, including climate change, economic security, gender equality, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and the need to strengthen multilateralism. They spoke of the role that Canada can play in bringing these priorities to the forefront of multilateral discussions at the UNSC.
As Canada pursues its candidacy for election to the United Nations Security Council for 2021-2022, we will continue to advance shared interests to benefit people and businesses in Canada and around the world.