April 7, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today organized a fifth call with his counterparts from countries affected by COVID-19, including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

During the call, the ministers provided an update on their country’s response to COVID-19 and discussed their priority issues as the global pandemic evolves.

They reiterated the importance of providing consular assistance to their citizens and the continued need to ensure transit hubs remain operational to permit the return of travellers from abroad.

The ministers also stressed the critical need to ensure the cross-border flow of essential goods and to keep supply chains intact during this ongoing crisis, especially for medical supplies and personal protective equipment.

Finally, they reiterated their continued commitment to work with the World Health Organization as well as to support the needs of vulnerable countries, and particularly those of women and children, during this crisis.