It is morally bankrupt for Canada to deepen ties with the UAE despite its well-documented role as the principal backer of the RSF, the militia committing genocide in Sudan. Canada must use every tool at its disposal to pressure the UAE, including imposing an arms embargo.
At the United Nations today, I met with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Our discussion focused on security in the Gulf and close coordination between our countries. Keeping critical maritime routes secure is essential to regional stability and to the flow of trade that economies around the world depend on.
Canada-UAE ties have gained momentum, with Canadian exports reaching $2.8 billion last year. We are building on that progress through deeper cooperation in trade and investment, innovation, AI and security, and stronger connections between our people.