By Reaven D’Souza
Managing Editor
Kuwait and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation in the fields of humanitarian crises, natural disasters, technical expertise and information sharing as part of increased engagement between the two countries.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Times Kuwait, Canada’s Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, Harjit Sajjan said that the MoU would allow them to direct teams in both countries to work together to tackle climate change, food security and gender equality.
The minister reiterated the deep rooted ties and aspiration for continued cooperation between both countries in several fields.
The MoU between Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) would not only help find opportunities where the two countries would work together but help countries affected by calamities.
Minister Sajjan who served as defense minister prior to his new portfolio visited Kuwait six times in as many years and endorsed the wisdom and balance of Kuwait’s foreign policy and its efforts in maintaining security and peace in the region. He hailed Kuwait’s humanitarian role in the world and said Canada was keen to work with Kuwait in resolving humanitarian and other issues of concern together.
Among the several issues Minister Sajjan discussed during the interview, he highlighted climate change as being an great issue of concern and among one of the greatest challenges facing the world today, as it not only creates humanitarian crises through natural disasters but also migration and conflicts that could be avoided.
He said food security was another major area of cooperation that Canada could cooperate with Kuwait. He pointed out that sharing of ideas in modern technology in agriculture and the Canadian experience could greatly benefit Kuwait’s quest for food security. He noted that researchers from both sides could greatly benefit from each others expertise
Minister Sajjan also reiterated Canada’s position on gender equality and pointed out that women comprise more than half the population and their contribution to the economy is priceless.
Canada’s role in women empowerment is well known and the country has invested heavily in measures to promote women’s economic rights and opportunities and provide women a voice as decision makers and leaders.
He praised Kuwait’s Ambassador to Canada H.E. Reem Al Khalid, as a strong women leader who is doing a wonderful job, just as is Canada’s Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Aliya Mawani representing Canada in Kuwait.
Minister Sajjan was also vocal in his support for the youth calling them the “pillar of the Future” adding that Kuwait must invest in them, enhance their capabilities and make sure that they get the best education and training opportunities so that they can carry out their responsibilities.
Rather than impose on them, he said the youth should be involved in decision making so that they can be masters of their own destinies and make the world a better place to live in.
Canada is a multicultural society and Canadians pride themselves in encouraging all of their citizens to pursue their own cultures. Canada has been consistently voted in the top 10 countries with the best quality of life that includes food, housing, quality education, health care and employment,
Minister Sajjan who prides his Indian roots clearly embodies that multicultural spirit and, as he pointed out, the Canadian Minister of Commerce is of Chinese origin, the minister of transport of Syrian origin and Minister of Culture of Argentinean origin, but we are all proud Canadians.