Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia: Honourable senators, I rise today to recognize Canada’s long-standing and valuable friendship with the United Arab Emirates, just ahead of the U.A.E. National Day on December 2, which marks 51 years since all seven emirates unified into one nation.

Canada and the U.A.E. have an important, mutually beneficial relationship focused on building prosperity for both of our societies in a sustainable manner. Our countries have partnered together to strengthen regional and global security, and to foster sustainable economic and social development in developing nations.

The U.A.E. is Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East and North African region, with over $2.5 billion in two-way trade in 2021. The U.A.E.’s investment in Canada is estimated to be at least $30 billion, and there are over 40,000 Canadians living in the U.A.E.

I am honoured to be Chair of the Canada-United Arab Emirates Friendship Group, which currently has over 60 members from both houses of Parliament, representing all political affiliations. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of my predecessor, past chair Senator Percy Downe, and look forward to working closely with him in this next chapter. I would also like to acknowledge the support of two executive members, Senator Salma Ataullahjan and Senator David Wells. Since His Excellency Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, Ambassador of the U.A.E. to Canada, has been posted to Canada, the U.A.E. and Canada have further developed and deepened their strong bilateral relationship. We thank you for this, Your Excellency.

Canada has removed the visa requirements for all U.A.E. nationals to travel to Canada, and our two countries have signed memorandums of understanding on joint space cooperation, as well as expanding the existing bilateral air transport agreement. His Excellency has also taken the initiative to learn more about Canada and our people by travelling across this vast country from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador. I would like to thank him for his commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, with the integral support of Ms. Melissa Valks, his executive assistant, who is accompanying the ambassador today.

Honourable senators, since its independence, the U.A.E. has been a dynamic, multicultural and forward-thinking nation, and a valuable ally to Canada. Please join me in extending my best wishes to the ambassador and to the people and government of the U.A.E. on their National Day, as our two nations continue to build a relationship of respect, cooperation and mutual prosperity.

Thank you, wela’lioq.