Washington – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, met in Washington, D.C., to discuss the strength of the Canada-U.S. relationship and its importance to security and prosperity in the region and around the world.
Minister Joly and Secretary Blinken discussed important transboundary issues, such as the Canada-United States Columbia River Treaty and the Line 5 transit pipeline. Minister Joly reiterated Canada’s commitment to working constructively with the United States on the Line 5 issue under the auspices of the 1977 Treaty and stressed the importance of this infrastructure for Canada and the United States.
Minister Joly and Secretary Blinken also discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict and the urgent need to secure the release of hostages, increase humanitarian aid into Gaza, and advance efforts towards lasting peace through a two-state solution. As Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine nears the end of its second year, Minister Joly and Secretary Blinken also spoke about continued support for Ukraine and their fight for freedom. Minister Joly and Secretary Blinken also discussed their continued support for Haitian-led solutions to the security, political and socioeconomic crisis in Haiti.