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Canadian minister Anand meets Emirati counterpart in Gulf diplomacy push

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed to discuss bilateral relations and regional stability. During her UAE visit, she also outlined Canada’s support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and its opposition to Iranian attacks. Ottawa is seeking closer Gulf investment ties while pursuing regional diplomatic contacts.

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Anita Anand and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed standing in a bright diplomatic room, with Canadian and UAE flags behind.

Anand meets Abdullah bin Zayed

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the United Arab Emirates’ deputy prime minister and foreign minister, during her visit to the country. They discussed bilateral relations and regional stability. The visit is part of Canada’s effort to deepen its engagement with Gulf partners.[1], [2]

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the UAE in November 2025, the first Canadian leader to do so in more than four decades. His government has sought stronger Gulf investment ties while reducing reliance on the US market. Anand said bilateral relations had continued to improve.[1]

Hormuz passage is part of Canada’s agenda

During the UAE visit, Anand said Canada opposed Iranian attacks and supported fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. She placed regional stability and freedom of navigation alongside trade in her account of the visit. She also said she had contacted Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan about attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly Riyadh airport.[1]

Ottawa pursues further regional contacts

Anand said Canada was continuing to relax some sanctions imposed on Syria under former president Bashar Al Assad. She had invited Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani to Canada, with a meeting date still being arranged. She also stressed human rights and international law as priorities and expressed concern about Iranian women and girls.[1]

References

  1. News sourceThe NationalAnand outlines Hormuz and Syria diplomacy during Gulf visit↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceManorama OnlineAnand and Abdullah bin Zayed discuss UAE–Canada relations↩
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