London/IBNS-CMEDIA: Canada: Britain and Australia on Thursday announced a new international peace fund for Israelis and Palestinians as the three countries stepped up coordination on Middle East security, energy disruptions and broader geopolitical challenges.
The announcement came during talks in London involving Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
According to Global Affairs Canada, the ministers discussed recent developments in the Middle East and ways to address the economic and supply chain impacts of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil and other commodities.
The three ministers also reaffirmed support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing it as the only path to a “just, lasting and comprehensive peace”.
In posts on X following the meeting, Anand said the countries had announced a new International Peace Fund for Israelis and Palestinians aimed at supporting conditions for a durable peace in the region.
“Together, we announced a new International Peace Fund for Israelis and Palestinians to help support the conditions for a just and lasting peace,” Anand wrote.
The ministers also discussed strengthening cooperation on security and economic priorities ahead of major international gatherings, including the G20 Summit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Britain’s Cooper described Australia and Canada as close partners, saying the three countries’ alliance is “more vital than ever” at a time of growing global uncertainty.
Wong said the countries were working more closely to strengthen resilience, security and economic prosperity.
Separately, the ministers held a video meeting with Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, focusing on support for women and girls affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine. They reiterated their commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in Ukraine and worldwide.
The ministers held a video meeting with Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady. Photo: Pennyh Wong/X
The London meeting formed part of the latest “ABC” dialogue among Australia, Britain and Canada, a forum for coordinating policy on international security, economic and foreign affairs issues.
(Reporting by Suman Das)
