Canada is placing maritime and economic issues on its diplomatic agenda as Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand prepares for Group of 20 (G20) talks in Atlanta and a Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda.
In an Oct. 29 release, Global Affairs Canada said Anand plans to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, then join Prime Minister Mark Carney in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Ministers are due to discuss freedom of navigation involving the Strait of Hormuz, the Black Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Indo-Pacific maritime security is a separate item; the department also lists food security, energy security, supply chains and resilience in global trade.
Global Affairs Canada describes the G20 as a forum where advanced and emerging economies address economic and financial concerns. The department says Anand’s participation aims to deepen Canada’s ties with partners and advance policy priorities through cooperation on shared issues.
The meeting’s stated theme connects partnerships and investment with prosperity across the Commonwealth. Leaders are expected to consider how to draw investment, widen economic opportunity through trade and strengthen climate resilience, while working on shared values.
The Commonwealth comprises 56 countries, whose leaders meet every two years to review commitments and set organizational priorities, Global Affairs Canada says. The department describes the G20’s remit as covering major economic and financial issues.
