Canada – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of China to hold media availabilities

His Excellency Dominic Barton, Ambassador of Canada to the People’s Republic of China will be in Dandong where he will be available for comment, in-person and via video link for media in Beijing, on August 11, 2021, at 11:00 AM CST (August 10, 2021, 11:00 PM EST). Media based in China should contact the Embassy at: beijing-pa@international.gc.ca for more information.

August 10, 2021 – His Excellency Dominic Barton, Ambassador of Canada to the People’s Republic of China will be in Dandong where he will be available for comment, in-person and via video link for media in Beijing, on August 11, 2021, at 11:00 AM CST (August 10, 2021, 11:00 PM EST). Media based in China should contact the Embassy at: beijing-pa@international.gc.ca for more information.

The Honourable, Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs will hold a media availability to discuss recent developments on consular cases in China.

Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Time: 10:00 am EST (10:00 pm CST)

Notes for media: Media representatives wishing to participate should dial: 1-866-206-0153 or 613-954-9003, access code 3351944#.

Canada – Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks with African Union Commission Chairperson

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke today with His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.

July 19, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke today with His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.

The Minister highlighted the AUC’s strong leadership in responding to the COVID-19 crisis and reiterated Canada’s commitment to working with African partners to ensure that our response to, and recovery from, this crisis best addresses the specific needs of African nations. Chairperson Faki noted that the AUC welcomes collaboration with Canada in response to the pandemic and in support of peace and good governance in Africa.

Minister Garneau reaffirmed Canada’s strong commitment to working closely with the AUC, including through the upcoming Canada-African Union Commission high-level consultations. These consultations will serve as an opportunity to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for further collaboration.

Minister Garneau also expressed his deep concern regarding the political and humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. He stressed the importance of humanitarian aid reaching those in need, which requires cooperation from all parties to the conflict, as well as their commitment to upholding their obligations under international humanitarian law. Minister Garneau welcomed the inquiry of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights into human rights abuses in Tigray and echoed calls for African-led solutions to the crisis. The Minister and the Chairperson also discussed their concerns over the situation in Chad and the need for ongoing inclusive dialogue among parties.

Minister Garneau and Chairperson Faki agreed to continue to work together toward the common objective of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

Canada – Foreign Affairs Minister and International Development Minister conclude successful G20 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, today concluded their participation in the G20 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting in Matera, Italy.

June 29, 2021 – Matera, Italy – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, today concluded their participation in the G20 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting in Matera, Italy.

Minister Garneau highlighted the value of multilateralism with his G20 counterparts and emphasized the need to focus on supporting developing countries. He also underlined Canada’s interest in working together toward an inclusive and resilient recovery and revitalizing an effective rules-based international system.

In addition to participating in the joint Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting, Minister Gould joined her counterparts virtually to discuss solutions to our most pressing development challenges, including financing for sustainable development.

Both ministers underscored Canada’s support for the G20 Matera Declaration, which is a call to action for all participating countries in response to the effects of the pandemic on agriculture and food security.

During his visit, Minister Garneau had fruitful bilateral meetings with his counterparts from France, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore and Spain.

“The G20 offers a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration with the world’s most advanced economies to address pressing challenges. Canada is committed to continuing to defend and champion multilateral efforts and the rules-based international system in working toward an inclusive, resilient recovery.”

– Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Through the G20, Canada comes together with our global counterparts to consider issues that matter deeply to Canadians, such as food security, health systems and climate action. The pandemic has underscored how truly interconnected our world is and how essential collaboration is to finding shared solutions to global challenges.”

– Karina Gould, Minister of International Development

Canada – Foreign Affairs Minister and Minister of International Development conclude successful visit to G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting in the United Kingdom

Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, today concluded their participation in the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting hosted by the United Kingdom.

In London, Minister Garneau took stock of the strong relationship between Canada and G7 countries and had meaningful exchanges with his counterparts on pressing international issues, including threats to international security, democracy and human rights, and arbitrary detention in State-to-State relations. He also underlined Canada’s shared interest in defending and revitalizing an effective rules-based international order.

During his visit, the Minister met bilaterally with his counterparts from Japan, Italy, the UK, European Union, Germany as well as India, Australia, South Africa and South Korea, who were invited as guests to join parts of this year’s G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ meeting.

Today, Minister Gould joined her counterparts virtually to discuss key development challenges. Ministers proposed practical measures related to equitable access to vaccines, climate adaptation, food security and famine protection, girls’ education and women’s empowerment 

Minister Garneau and Canadian delegates will adhere to quarantine requirements upon their return to Canada.

“Global challenges call for global cooperation, and Canada is committed to continue working together with key partners to tackle pressing and difficult issues. This G7 meeting was an opportunity to expand global efforts to defend human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rules-based international order.”

– Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“We have a collective responsibility to work toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. Canada will continue to foster innovative partnerships to help promote equitable vaccine access, develop effective climate solutions and improve access to education for all children and youth.”

– Karina Gould, Minister of International Development

The G7 is an informal group of like-minded partners that brings together Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.

The G7 dates back to the mid-1970s, and the G7 presidency, which rotates annually between member countries, sets the agenda for the year in consultation with G7 partners. The United States held the presidency in 2020 and the United Kingdom holds the presidency in 2021. Canada last held the presidency in 2018.

The G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting offers its members a unique forum where they can develop coordinated approaches through open and honest discussions on issues related to foreign affairs, international development, and international security.

G7 foreign ministers last met virtually on March 25, 2020.

Following the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting, G7 leaders will convene for a Leaders’ Summit in June in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, U.K.

Canada – Minister of Foreign Affairs responds to Chinese sanctions

China’s sanctions against Canadian parliamentarians and democratic institutions are unacceptable and an attack on transparency and freedom of expression.

March 27, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“China’s sanctions against Canadian parliamentarians and democratic institutions are unacceptable and an attack on transparency and freedom of expression. 

“The Government of Canada stands with parliamentarians and all Canadians as we continue to work with partners in defence of democracy and freedom of speech and will continue to take action when international human rights obligations are violated. We need to stand together to remind those who violate human and democratic rights that the world is watching.”