UAE And Canada Strengthen Bilateral Ties During Abdullah Bin Zayed's Visit To Ottawa

The Honourable Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Canada from June 19 to 20, 2025. This visit highlighted the mutual commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and regional peace.

During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney. They discussed the strengthening ties between Canada and the UAE. On behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah invited Prime Minister Carney to visit the UAE this year.

Canada and the UAE are keen on expanding their economic relationship by exploring new opportunities for collaboration. The launch of the Dubai Chambers office in Toronto marks a significant step in this direction. This office is part of the Dubai Global initiative aimed at deepening economic ties with Canada.

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade, attended the launch alongside His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE's Envoy to Canada. This new office will serve as a strategic platform for fostering commercial ties between the two countries.

Both countries recognise artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical area for collaboration. Canada recently appointed its first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, reflecting its commitment to responsible AI leadership. The UAE is also a global leader in AI and has established a dedicated foreign policy position on AI.

The Ministers welcomed ongoing dialogue between institutions to explore cooperation in AI research and commercialization. Both sides emphasised the importance of inclusive and sustainable AI development that supports innovation and economic growth.

Water Challenges and Climate Action

Water management is central to climate action for both nations. They underscored their shared commitment to addressing global water challenges through international cooperation. The upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal will be pivotal in advancing global water efforts.

The UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative launched in early 2024 exemplifies investment in water technology to tackle scarcity issues effectively.

Energy Security and Transition

Canada and the UAE are committed to advancing energy security while transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The UAE's growing investments in Canada highlight strong commercial foundations for future cooperation. Canada welcomes formalising energy collaboration with the UAE.

Both countries aim to build on their current ties in energy sectors while promoting investment opportunities and enhancing mutual investment attraction.

International Peace Efforts

The two nations reiterated their dedication to promoting peace across the Middle East and beyond. They condemned all acts of terrorism and stressed maintaining peace while rejecting intolerance and extremism.

They called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages, and unhindered aid flow to address humanitarian crises. Both sides emphasised diplomatic engagement as essential for long-term regional stability.

Joint Committee for Cooperation

The Joint Committee for Cooperation (JC) serves as a strategic platform driving deeper partnerships between Canada and the UAE. Through regular high-level dialogue, it advances collaboration in priority areas like trade, defence, security, climate, and energy.

The next ministerial meeting will be hosted by Canada, reinforcing their commitment to sustained engagement yielding tangible results.

Development Cooperation

Canada praised the UAE's global leadership in humanitarian efforts including those in Gaza where it emerged as a major bilateral aid donor. Both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to addressing global development challenges together.

This partnership leverages complementary strengths during times of conflict worldwide while upholding international humanitarian law through dialogue-focused solutions grounded on inclusivity principles.

Cultural Exchange

The deepening people-to-people ties between Canada and the UAE form a cornerstone of their growing partnership. Canada appreciates Emirati students' increasing presence within its higher education institutions reflecting mutual academic excellence recognition.

The landmark exhibition "As The Sun Appears From Beyond" showcased contemporary Islamic art diversity through collaboration between Aga Khan Museum & Ministry Of Culture further fostering intercultural dialogue & understanding among both societies alike!

The visit marked significant progress within Canada-UAE relations rooted upon mutual respect shared objectives common vision towards sustainable prosperity & global stability! High-level engagements continue ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes contributing towards peace prosperity worldwide!

With inputs from WAM