Canada announces further support for security, peace and stability initiatives in Middle East, Africa and Central Asia

June 9, 2023 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Global Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada recognizes the need to evolve and to adapt to an increasingly complex global security environment. As part of its commitment to the Global Coalition against Daesh, Canada is supporting peace and stability around the world by addressing the underlying conditions that lead to instability.

The Honourable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a productive trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh. During the meetings, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant announced more than $69.5 million in funding for new and expanded counter-terrorism capacity-building projects, as well as peace and stabilization projects, in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Despite the significant progress made by the Global Coalition, Daesh continues to evolve as it seeks to replenish its numbers in the Middle East and expand its influence in parts of Africa and Central Asia. The projects announced today will help address the threat posed by Daesh, complement existing security and coordination initiatives and incorporate a gender-responsive approach that is rooted in human rights protections, inclusive governance and the rule of law.

Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant also announced a $20 million pledge by the Government of Canada, as part of its Middle East Strategy, for future stabilization projects in areas liberated from Daesh in Iraq and to help build the conditions for a sustainable, Syria-led political solution to the conflict based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

While in Riyadh, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant met with Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Waleed Abdelkarim Al-Khereiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mohammed Al Sheikh, Minister of State, where they committed to building a vibrant bilateral relationship. They also discussed shared priorities, including global security, food security, trade and climate action. The Parliamentary Secretary also engaged other Global Coalition partners, including Togo, the newest member to join the Coalition, to exchange views and to reiterate the importance of a coordinated approach to addressing security challenges.