Canada–Lebanon relations

Canada-Lebanon relations

Canada
Lebanon

Canada–Lebanon relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Canada and Lebanon. Canada is home to one of the largest Lebanese diaspora communities. Both nations are members of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.

History

The first Lebanese migration to Canada took place in 1882 when Lebanon was still part of the Ottoman Empire.[1] In 1946, soon after obtaining independence from France, Lebanon opened a consulate in Montreal.[2] In 1949, the consulate was upgraded to a consulate-general. In 1954, Canada recognized and established diplomatic relations with Lebanon.[2] In 1958, both nations opened embassies in each other's capitals, respectively.[2]

Between 1975-1990, Lebanon entered into a civil war between various religious factions in the country. In 1985 Canada closed its embassy in Beirut. During the war, Canada received thousands of Lebanese refugees which made Lebanon the largest Arab diaspora community in Canada.[1] Canada re-opened its embassy in Beirut in 1995.[2]

There are approximately 190,000 Canadians of Lebanese descent in Canada and 45,000 Canadians residing in Lebanon. The evacuation in 2006 during the Israel–Hezbollah War of Canadians from Lebanon was the largest in Canada's history and spoke of the importance of this diaspora community.[2]

State visits

Prime Ministerial visits from Canada to Lebanon[3]

Prime Ministerial and Presidential visits from Lebanon to Canada[4][5][6]

Bilateral relations

Both nations have signed several bilateral agreements such as a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (1997); Air Transport Agreement (1998) and a Memorandum of Understanding Agreement (2013) to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.[2]

Trade

In 2015, total trade between Canada and Lebanon totaled $142 million Canadian dollars.[2] Canada's main exports to Lebanon include: vehicles and parts, pharmaceutical products, aircraft and parts, vegetables, machinery, paper and wood. Lebanon's main exports to Canada include: preserved food, beverages, coffee and spices, olive oil and sugar and confectionary.[2]

Resident diplomatic missions

Embassy of Lebanon in Ottawa

See also

References

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