MANILA, July 22 (Reuters) – Canada is urging de‑escalation and a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, describing the situation as highly grave, Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated on Wednesday on the margins of an ASEAN summit.
She also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to international law in addressing tensions in the South China Sea during meetings with Southeast Asian partners in Manila.
Anand said Ottawa remains committed to safeguarding civilian lives and critical infrastructure in conflict zones, while expressing concern over the latest confrontation between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea.
\”The situation is highly grave, and we strongly hope that parties will convene to negotiate and uphold a permanent ceasefire,\” she said, emphasizing that hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected.
\”Without question, the incident is troubling, and we are concerned,\” Anand said. \”We do not accept intimidation as a means of resolving disputes.\”
She said Canada supports resolving maritime disputes under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reaffirmed Ottawa’s longstanding support for a \”free and open Indo‑Pacific.\”
\”Whether discussing the Indo‑Pacific, the Strait of Hormuz or other waterways, it is essential to recognize that the framework of freely navigable waters and international law serves as a guiding principle,\” Anand said.
When asked about her meeting on Tuesday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Anand said they discussed bilateral ties and regional security. \”In broader geopolitical terms, we devoted time to the Indo‑Pacific, and I voiced my concerns,\” she said, without elaborating.
Beyond security issues, Anand said Canada is working to diversify trade beyond the United States and is pursuing a free trade agreement with ASEAN.
\”Ensuring unanimity in concluding the FTA between ASEAN and Canada is our top priority at this summit,\” Anand said.
Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by David Stanway