Canada's Foreign Minister Anand Attends Pivotal UN Conference on Palestine and Two-State Solution
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, is attending a crucial United Nations high-level international conference in New York from July 28 to July 30, 2025. The conference is specifically focused on the "Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution," convening at a critical juncture amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza and heightened international calls for a lasting resolution.
Purpose of the Conference:
Co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, the conference has several primary objectives:
Advancing the Two-State Solution: The core goal is to reinvigorate and advance the two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel, based on the pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as the shared capital.
Ending the War in Gaza: A significant focus is on mobilizing global efforts to achieve an immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilians and aid workers, and securing the unconditional release of all hostages.
Achieving a Just and Lasting Resolution: The conference aims to foster comprehensive discussions and outline concrete steps towards an enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, firmly rooted in international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Minister Anand's Role and Key Messages:
Minister Anand's attendance, as initially announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, underscores Canada's commitment to these critical diplomatic efforts. Her participation includes:
Addressing the Plenary: She is scheduled to address the UN plenary session, where she will emphasize Canada's urgent call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, the protection of all civilians (including aid workers), and the unconditional release of all hostages.
Advocacy for Humanitarian Aid: Anand will strongly reiterate Canada's demand for the safe, unhindered, and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale into Gaza, highlighting concerns over Canadian-funded aid that has reportedly been blocked. She has been actively engaging her Israeli counterpart to seek assurances regarding aid access.
Canada's Contribution to Peace: She will underscore Canada's readiness to actively contribute to advancing the prospects of a two-state solution that guarantees peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
"Narrative for Peace" Working Group: Minister Anand will engage with her counterparts on matters relevant to the "Narrative for Peace" Working Group. Canada co-chairs this group alongside Qatar and Mexico, with the aim of fostering positive dialogue, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to peace by addressing the underlying conflicting narratives about identity and legitimacy that fuel the Middle East conflict.
Bilateral Engagements: On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Anand will conduct bilateral meetings with other foreign ministers, senior officials, and international partners to exchange perspectives and ensure continued cooperation on the challenging situation in the Middle East.
Canada's Broader Stance on the Conflict:
Canada's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is guided by several long-standing principles:
Consistent Two-State Solution Support: Canada has consistently advocated for a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside a secure Israel, based on the pre-1967 borders and Jerusalem as the shared capital.
Condemnation of Violence: Canada has unequivocally condemned Hamas's actions, including the October 7, 2023 attacks and the continued holding of hostages. It has also expressed deep concern over the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the high civilian death toll.
Opposition to Settlements: Canada has repeatedly stated its strong opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in Palestinian territories, viewing such actions as illegal under international law and a critical undermining factor for the viability of the two-state solution.
Adherence to International Law: Canada stresses the imperative for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of civilians.
Potential for Palestinian State Recognition: While Canada has not yet formally recognized a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that Ottawa will work with its international peers on recognizing a future Palestinian state, emphasizing that Hamas cannot have a role in its governance. This aligns with France's recent announcement to formally declare recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN in September. Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin has also publicly urged Canada to recognize the State of Palestine as a crucial step towards peace.
This UN conference is viewed as a pivotal opportunity for the international community to consolidate efforts, advance diplomatic initiatives, and articulate concrete next steps towards achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.
