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Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland calls for a transparent investigation into the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal KhashoggiPATRICK DOYLE (AFP / File)
In the West Bank, the Minister will meet the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, is visiting the Middle East to begin her relationship with Jordan before traveling to Israel and the West Bank.
"Canadians have a long-standing friendship with Jordanians, Israelis and Palestinians, and I look forward to working with our important partners in the region this week," she said.
"This visit will provide Canada with an opportunity to strengthen our ties and exchange views on a variety of issues, including the security situation and other critical challenges facing the region," said Freeland.
The minister will begin her visit to Jordan, where she will meet King Abdullah II and visit a Canadian-funded project that supports the health of women and victims of sexual and domestic violence.
The two countries maintain close relations, with Jordan being the third highest priority for development aid and humanitarian aid.
In Israel, the minister will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, as well as other leaders and leaders of community organizations. She will also deliver a speech to the Israel Foreign Relations Council.
In the West Bank, the minister will meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riad Malki, and other Palestinian representatives.
"Canada recognizes the right of Palestinians to self-determination and supports the creation of a sovereign, independent, viable, democratic and territorially contiguous Palestinian state as part of a comprehensive peace settlement, just and sustainable, "said Canada's official page to Palestinian Authority states.
