Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced that he will visit Kuwait and Saudi Arabia from October 15 to 17, 2014, to discuss the strong and growing relations between Canada and Kuwait, and Canada and Saudi Arabia.

“Canada values its relationship with these two important players in the Middle East,” said Baird. “We continue to have frank and productive exchanges on a wide range of issues, including economic prosperity, development, education, human rights and regional security.”

Baird will also be eager to discuss the ongoing threat ISIL poses to regional and international security.

“Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are valued and trusted regional partners,” said Baird. “We consider them important allies in combatting violent extremism and terrorism. Each of our countries brings with it a variety of strengths and abilities that combined will bring about change for the region, and the peace and security that many in Iraq and Syria long for.”

While in Kuwait, Baird will meet with Canadian military personnel and their Kuwait Armed Forces colleagues at Camp Canada, the Operational Support Hub for Canada’s mission in Iraq.

“The brave men and women of the Canadian Forces have once again answered the call, this time to combat the threat of the barbaric terrorist group ISIL,” continued Baird. “Our government thanks the Government of Kuwait for allowing Canadian Forces to operate from Camp Canada, and we express our deep and profound commitment to regional security.”

This visit will also provide Baird a valuable opportunity to engage with two important members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Canada and GCC countries have agreed to proceed forward with the deepening of our relationship and to finalize the Canada-GCC Strategic Dialogue through a memorandum of understanding.

src:news.gc.ca