Canada urges stronger partnership as global order faces ‘collapse’

Describing her childhood in the coastal province of Nova Scotia, Ms. Anand opens with a maritime metaphor: “The tide won’t wait. You have to move with it.”

“The tide has turned in the global order,” he said, describing the upheaval as “a breakdown, not a transition.”

He argued that large countries were starting to withdraw from economic cooperation, while state sovereignty was the basis of such cooperation UN Chartertoo often treated “with contempt.”

Against this backdrop, Canada will seek greater “strategic autonomy,” reduce over-dependence on any partner, and at the same time diversify economic and diplomatic relations.

Coalition in an era of chaos

Ms Anand said Canada would build an issue-based coalition of small states, middle powers and large powers to address shared challenges, emphasizing cooperation in support of Ukraine and security in the Arctic.

At the same time, he stressed that such partnerships should strengthen the multilateral system, not replace it.

Canada and its partners have launched the “Partners for Multilateralism” initiative aimed at supporting reform of the UN and other international institutions to make them “more representative, more effective and more trustworthy”, he said.

Canada will also implement what it calls “values-based realism,” strengthening strategic capabilities in emerging technologies, critical minerals, defense production and energy.

Its efforts to diversify trade include stronger ties in the Indo-Pacific, the Gulf region, Latin America, Africa and Europe, as well as renewed partnerships with India and China.

Security from Ukraine to the Middle East

Turning to international security, Ms. Anand reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine and its “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” based on the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also described the Arctic as central to Canada’s identity and security, highlighting cooperation with indigenous peoples and regional partners.

On Iran, Ms. Anand said Canada considers the country “a major threat to peace and security in its region,” condemned attacks she attributed to Tehran and said Iran “should not have nuclear weapons.”

Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said that self-determination is the right of both peoples.

“Israel’s right to exist is not up for debate, and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination in their own country is also up for debate,” he said.

Canada remains committed to a negotiated two-state solution, he added, maintaining that Hamas has no role in governing Palestine and describing Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law.

‘Move with confidence’

Elsewhere, Ms. Anand highlighted support for security and elections in Haiti, humanitarian assistance for crises including Sudan and Gaza, and international cooperation on responsible artificial intelligence and maritime security.

Returning to his opening metaphor, the Foreign Minister said Canada could respond to the changing international landscape with nostalgia or despair, but “that is not an option.”

Instead, he said his country would “move with confidence and strength”, remaining committed to long-term partnerships, international law and UN principles.

“This is the path Canada will take,” he concluded, “and we invite you to join us in partnership.”