Readout: Minister of Foreign Affairs continues to coordinate with international partners on respective situations and responses to COVID-19

March 21, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, organized a call with his counterparts from countries affected by COVID-19.

The following countries participated:

• Australia
• Brazil
• Germany
• Morocco
• Peru
• Turkey
• The United Kingdom

On today’s call, each minister had the opportunity to update on their country’s response to COVID-19 and discuss the ongoing challenges they are facing, notably the repatriation of their citizens.

They shared their concerns over air travel restrictions and international border controls and the significant impact of COVID-19 on travellers. The ministers addressed the need to safely return travellers home from abroad, including those currently aboard cruise ships.

The ministers stressed the importance of maintaining the flow of essential goods, supplies and services during this ongoing crisis and the critical need for strong and quick action to help stabilize and protect global economies.

The ministers reiterated that strong international coordination is essential and they committed to remain in close touch, in particular on citizen repatriation, as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.