October 29, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will visit Jordan, Israel and the West Bank from October 29 to November 2, 2018.
The Minister will begin her visit in Jordan, where she will have an audience with His Majesty King Abdullah II. She will also meet with Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan, and will visit a Canadian-funded project that supports women's health and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
While in Israel, the Minister will meet with Reuven Rivlin, President of the State of Israel; Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel; other political leaders; and representatives of civil society organizations. She will also address the Israel Council on Foreign Relations.
In the West Bank, the Minister will meet with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority; Riad Malki, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Palestinian Authority; civil society representatives; and a number of prominent Palestinians.
"Canadians enjoy a long-standing friendship with Jordanians, Israelis and Palestinians, and I look forward to engaging with our important partners in the region this week. This visit will offer Canada an opportunity to strengthen our existing ties and exchange views on diverse issues, including the security situation and other critical challenges facing the region."
- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
In 2017, Jordan was the third-largest recipient worldwide of Canadian development and humanitarian assistance combined.
The Canada-Jordan free trade agreement came into force in 2012.
Canada commends Jordan for its extraordinary generosity in hosting so many Syrian refugees.
There are an estimated 35,000 Canadians living in Israel, and a large number of Canadian tourists visit Israel annually.
Canada and Israel signed the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement on May 28, 2018, in Montréal, Quebec, as an update to the agreement that came into force over 20 years ago.
Canada provides significant development and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, focusing on growth that works for everyone, inclusive governance, advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
