OMM Redaksiyası
The international order is facing “a rupture, not a transition”, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on Saturday, warning that major powers were withdrawing from economic cooperation and increasingly challenging national sovereignty.
Speaking to the 81st UN General Assembly, Anand said “the tide has turned in the global order”, with economic integration being dismantled and sovereignty — a cornerstone of the UN Charter — frequently disregarded, according to the source report.
Canada will respond by pursuing greater “strategic autonomy”, reducing its reliance on any single partner and expanding relations with both established and new partners, she said.
Ottawa also plans to form issue-based coalitions involving small states, middle powers and major powers to address shared challenges, while continuing to reinforce the broader multilateral system.
Anand said Canada would pursue “values-based realism” and cooperate with other middle powers to help shape the emerging international order.
“Though some would build higher walls and retreat from international engagement, we believe that long-term partnerships are the way to prosperity and security,” Anand said.
Canada outlines regional priorities
Anand reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine and NATO, calling for stronger ties with Europe and increased cooperation with Arctic partners.
She also pledged to maintain Canada’s presence in the Indo-Pacific and deepen economic relations with India and China. Ottawa is seeking new opportunities in the Gulf and Latin America, while expanding trade links with Africa, she said.
On Haiti, Anand welcomed preparations for elections while acknowledging continuing security challenges. She condemned Iran’s regional activities and said Tehran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
Canada reiterates support for two-state solution
Addressing Israel and Palestine, Anand said both sides had a right to self-determination and reiterated Canada’s support for a negotiated two-state solution.
She described Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace, noting Canada’s decision to restrict trade in goods from Israeli settlements.
Israeli military and settler attacks in the West Bank have intensified since the Gaza Strip war began in October 2023. Palestinian figures cited in the report say at least 1,206 Palestinians, including 254 children, have been killed, around 13,350 wounded and more than 24,600 arrested during that period.
The UN has repeatedly stated that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law and warned that they undermine prospects for a two-state solution.
