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May 12, 2026 4:57 PM - Connect Newsroom - Jasmine Singh with files from The Canadian Press

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand begins official visits to Oman and Qatar

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Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand speaks during a government event in Ottawa.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand has begun official visits to Oman and Qatar aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation on regional and economic priorities.

According to Global Affairs Canada, Anand will remain in Muscat and Doha until May 15 for meetings with senior government officials focused on defence cooperation, trade, and people-to-people connections between Canada and Gulf states.

In Oman, Anand is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi and other senior officials. Discussions are expected to include economic partnerships and regional security issues.

During her visit to Qatar, Anand will meet Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Canadian officials said talks may also include maritime security and developments related to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping corridor.

The trip follows earlier diplomatic engagement in the region, including Anand’s January visit to Qatar alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney. The federal government has signalled continued interest in expanding Canada’s relationships in the Middle East through trade, security, and strategic cooperation.

The visits are also part of broader efforts by Ottawa to deepen engagement with Gulf partners on energy security and regional stability. Additional announcements or joint statements may follow after the meetings conclude.

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