Anand to pitch Canada defence, economic ties during Persian Gulf trip

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is off to the Persian Gulf today where Canada is looking to strengthen ties on defence and security, while courting global investment.

The trip comes as the U.S. war on Iran continues to impact the Middle East and international energy markets.

A news release says Anand will meet with her counterpart in Oman to discuss potential defence and economic co-operation, then she will travel to Qatar to advance trade, investment and security ties.

Oman and Qatar have been key players in attempts to broker peace in the region, including between the U.S. and Iran, and between Israel and Hamas.

Anand tells The Canadian Press her visit underscores that Canada is courting investment from Gulf countries while expressing solidarity with them after repeated strikes by Iran.

Defence Minister David McGuinty is also visiting Qatar as well as the United Arab Emirates this week, to talk about how Canada fits into regional security.