From January 19 to 22, 2007, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, completed a visit to the Middle East that included stops in Jordan, the West Bank and Israel. In meetings with political, business and civil society leaders, Minister MacKay demonstrated Canada’s important key bilateral relationships in the Middle East and conveyed Canada's commitment to the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region. He also reiterated Canada's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2007-01-22 - SPEECH TO THE 7TH ANNUAL HERZLIYA CONFERENCE, HERZLIYA PITUAH, ISRAEL

Following his meeting with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, Minister MacKay highlighted Canada’s support for moderate Arab leaders and for neighbouring countries, such as Jordan, in their efforts to promote and achieve peace in the Middle East. In a news conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Minister MacKay insisted on Israel’s right to live in full security side by side with its neighbours and recognized Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law.

PHOTO GALLERY

(click to enlarge)

Minister MacKay is greeted by Chief negotiator Dr. Ereikat and Palestinian Ambassador to Jordan

With His Excellency Abdelelah Al-Khatib, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jordan

With Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit of Jordan