June 1, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that he will travel to Paris, France, for the meeting of the foreign ministers of the anti-ISIS Coalition Small Group on June 2, 2015, and will then continue to Jerusalem and Ramallah for bilateral programs on June 3 and 4, 2015.
Canada remains fully committed to international efforts against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and to addressing the significant security, humanitarian and political challenges this group poses. Canada denounces in the strongest possible terms the violent jihadist ideology that underpins the actions of ISIS and its sympathizers. Canada is taking action to counter ISIS’s barbaric activities and expansionist agenda, and the threat they pose to Canadians, allies and the region, through participation in Coalition military air strikes and by working with partners to stem the flow of foreign fighters, disrupt ISIS’s funding sources and counter terrorist ideology. Canada is also actively supporting humanitarian relief efforts to respond to the needs of civilians affected by conflict.
In Jerusalem, Minister Nicholson will meet with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss a range of critical security issues, including Iran, ISIS and the Middle East peace process. In Ramallah, he will meet with the Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Riad Malki.
“The scourge of ISIS is a complete affront to the principles and values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Since early 2014, this terrorist group has tortured and beheaded people, raped and sold women into slavery, slaughtered minorities and kidnapped civilians. Violent jihadism is a threat not just to the region, but also to Canada and our allies. It must be stopped.
“Canada and Israel enjoy a very special relationship based on the shared values and principles of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. In today’s uncertain world, Israel is a trusted partner and friend. We will continue to strongly uphold Israel’s right to exist and flourish as an independent Jewish state and its right to defend itself and its citizens from those who seek its destruction. Canada continues to believe that the only viable path to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians is through a negotiated two-state solution”
- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
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media@international.gc.ca
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