In a series of meetings this week Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird underlined Canada’s friendship and support for Israel.
A statement released April 9 by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Ministry underlined that support: “Today, the Jewish People are masters of their own fate, like other nations, in their own sovereign, Jewish state. Like other nations, Israel has the right to defend itself, by itself.”
A meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expanded Canada-Israeli relations by agreeing to increased bilateral agreements, negotiations towards a free trade agreement, more business linkages, and closer academic ties. Both governments also underlined cooperation in the energy sector.
Minister Baird’s Tuesday visit with Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, in her department’s headquarters in East Jerusalem attracted some attention back home. The Globe and Mail newspaper pointed out this visit crossed “symbolic lines” since it was across the Green Line and in disputed territory. Reporter Campbell Clark wrote: “For Palestinians, and under United Nations resolutions, he [Baird] was meeting the Israeli government on occupied land.”
More information:
Canada’s Foreign Affairs news release “Canada Reaffirms Special Friendship with Israel” – here
Globe and Mail – “Baird underlines Israel support with controversial East Jerusalem visit” – here
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