Anita Anand, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada, said her country has always been an innovative leader on global issues. “Canada does not retreat from duty; it does not walk away from building and strengthening peace.  It remains a stable and reliable partner, both in business and in collective security.”  Unilateralism and protectionism weaken the international institutions and rule of law that are the very bedrock of the post-war order.  “Retreat is not an option.  Canada will not turn inwards,” she said, emphasizing that it will work to reform and strengthen multilateral institutions, including the United Nations.

In the Arctic, Canada will safeguard its sovereignty, modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command with the United States, bolster the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with its fellow members and work with indigenous peoples to ensure that the region remains a place of peace, cooperation and sustainable development.  Turning to the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, she said that “Putin cannot be permitted to redraw boundaries at his will”. Ukraine is not backing down, nor will its friends, including Canada, she said, adding that to support Ukraine is to support sovereignty, dignity and peace.

On Gaza, she called on Hamas to lay down its weapons and release all remaining hostages immediately, and for Israel to protect civilians, open land corridors for unimpeded humanitarian assistance and ensure the security of healthcare facilities.  Canada’s recognition of the State of Palestine reflects its commitment to the two-State solution, and it will participate “in every way we can” to achieve a ceasefire and support the political processes that should follow, she said.  In Haiti, Canada supports the Security Council’s efforts to create a new mission to tackle gang violence, re-establish governance and open the way to a stable democracy.  She went on to detail Canada’s steps to deepen its partnerships with Europe, the Indo-Pacific region, the Americas and Africa, including, last week, a strategic defence partnership with the European Union.