OTTAWA, Ontario - Canada and Lebanon have launched a new Partnership for Security and Resilience, a framework for cooperation on security, stabilization, humanitarian assistance, governance and development, after Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi in Ottawa on November 6.
The ministers agreed to establish an annual senior officials’ dialogue to advance the partnership and identify new opportunities for cooperation. Canada will contribute through three projects: strengthening counter-terrorism capacity by supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces Special Operations Forces with advanced reconnaissance training and instructor capacity-building; advancing reconciliation and social cohesion by addressing the legacy of the Lebanese Civil War; and protecting civilians from explosive threats by reducing the risks from unexploded ordnance in affected communities.
The two sides also discussed developments in southern Lebanon, emphasizing the protection of civilians, humanitarian access and efforts to restore lasting security and stability. They reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Trilateral Framework Agreement and exchanged views on a coordinated and sustainable transition following the planned drawdown of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, including continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and other state institutions.
The joint statement notes the longstanding friendship between the two countries, founded on strong people-to-people ties, including what it calls Canada’s vibrant Lebanese diaspora. Anand reiterated Canada’s steadfast support for Lebanon, while Raggi expressed appreciation for Canada’s longstanding partnership and support for the Lebanese people.
“Canada stands with Lebanon in its efforts to strengthen security, advance reforms, and build a more stable and prosperous future,” said Anand. “Through the Canada-Lebanon Partnership for Security and Resilience, we are deepening our cooperation and reaffirming our commitment to supporting the Lebanese people and their institutions.”
Anand also met Austria’s foreign minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, in Ottawa on November 6 for talks on critical minerals, semiconductors and Canada-EU cooperation.
(Source: Global Affairs Canada joint statement on Canada-Lebanon, November 6, 2026; Global Affairs Canada joint statement on Canada-Austria, November 6, 2026)
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