As set out in a formal announcement, The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ukraine of the United Arab Emirates, on September 28, 2026. The meeting occurred on the margins of the Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, held in Toronto on September 28 and 29, 2026. The statement does not mention the purpose of the conference beyond the stated goals of supporting the return of Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war. This suggests a continued prioritization by the Canadian government of efforts to facilitate the safe return of Ukrainian nationals.
Context
This meeting represents a continuation of Canada’s diplomatic efforts to secure international support for Ukraine’s humanitarian needs. The Pathways to Peace conference, co-hosted by Canada, Ukraine, and Norway, aims to establish mechanisms for the return of Ukrainian children who have been displaced or detained as a result of the conflict. The statement does not address the specific outcomes of the discussions between Anand and Al Hashimy. In March the ministry said that Canada would continue to work with partners to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian citizens. The meeting takes place concurrently with a wider international effort, as announced in September, to convene stakeholders and coordinate assistance related to the repatriation of Ukrainian civilians.
What to Watch
Should the visit yield further commitments from the UAE regarding support for humanitarian corridors, the Canadian government will likely highlight this engagement in subsequent public statements. If the discussions focus on logistical support – specifically rail transport – this suggests a strategic interest in leveraging UAE transport capabilities to facilitate the movement of individuals. The statement does not mention any specific agreements reached during the meeting. The Canadian government has previously indicated its intention to explore all available avenues for assistance, as outlined in September.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- Minister Anand meets with Honduras’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (28 Septemb)
- Canada, Ukraine and Norway to co-host international conference on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war (12 Septemb)
- Media Accreditation for the International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War (24 August)
.jpg){kind=link}