Anand hosts Lebanon and Austria foreign ministers in Ottawa, launching Canada-Lebanon security partnership

Foreign Minister Anita Anand met visiting Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi and Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Ottawa on November 6, with joint statements issued after each meeting. Canada and Lebanon launched a new Canada-Lebanon Partnership for Security and Resilience, while Canada and Austria agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, semiconductors and science, technology and innovation ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Lebanon: a new security and resilience partnership

Under the Canada-Lebanon joint statement, the new Canada-Lebanon Partnership for Security and Resilience will strengthen cooperation on security, stabilization, humanitarian assistance, governance and development, and reaffirm that arms must remain under the exclusive authority of the Lebanese state. Canada will contribute through three projects: strengthening the counter-terrorism capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces Special Operations Forces, advancing reconciliation and social cohesion around the legacy of the Lebanese Civil War, and protecting civilians from explosive threats by clearing unexploded ordnance. The ministers also discussed southern Lebanon, stressing the protection of civilians, humanitarian access and implementation of the Trilateral Framework Agreement, with an orderly transition as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon draws down as planned. The two countries agreed to establish an annual senior officials' dialogue.

Austria: deeper cooperation ahead of the 75th anniversary

The Canada-Austria joint statement said the two countries will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, held their inaugural Canada-Austria Political-Military Dialogue in Vienna this week, and will open exploratory discussions in Vienna next week on a memorandum of understanding on science, technology and innovation. The ministers committed to deeper cooperation on critical minerals, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, science, technology and innovation, and reaffirmed full implementation of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Anand congratulated Austria on its election to the United Nations Security Council for 2027-2028, and the ministers agreed to deepen cooperation during Austria's tenure, including on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, Women, Peace and Security, and accountability for war crimes. The statement also reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and continued coordination on the Western Balkans.

Source: Global Affairs Canada, November 6, 2026.

(File photo: Parliament Hill, Ottawa.)