Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussed during a phone call today, Tuesday, the bilateral work between the two countries and the possibilities of enhancing and developing it to serve their common interests.

During the call, a number of regional and international issues of common interest were reviewed and perspectives were exchanged on them, especially the developments of the Ukrainian crisis and ways to contain its repercussions at the humanitarian and economic levels, the importance of speedy response to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine to prevent its deterioration, prioritizing protection for civilians affected by the crisis and preserving their lives alongside ensuring the safety of workers in humanitarian fields and securing corridors for delivering aid.

In this context, Trudeau praised the support provided by the UAE in relief assistance to civilians affected in Ukraine. 

The office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement about this call stating: 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The two leaders discussed the urgent humanitarian crisis and the importance of an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.

 The Prime Minister condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians by Russian forces. 

The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince also agreed on the necessity of working together to mitigate the global economic impacts resulting from the invasion of Ukraine. 

The Prime Minister invited the Crown Prince to participate in the pledging event for the “Stand for Ukraine” campaign on April 9, which the Prime Minister is holding with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons.

The two leaders pointed to the close relationship between Canada and the United Arab Emirates, which was reflected in the recent visit of the Governor General of Canada to the United Arab Emirates from March 17 to 19. 

The Prime Minister renewed Canada’s condemnation of the recent Houthi attacks on the United Arab Emirates. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated the UAE and the Crown Prince on the successful conclusion of Expo 2020. 

The Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Crown Prince for the UAE's support for Afghan refugees. 

The leaders agreed to continue enhancing bilateral relations between Canada and the UAE.

The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince also agreed to continue cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the impact of the war on global food security and energy supplies.