Parliamentary Secretary Omar Alghabra visits Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines

January 19, 2017 – Mississauga, Ontario

Omar Alghabra, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular), advanced Canada’s consular interests with Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines from January 7-14, 2017.

During his visit to Pakistan, Parliamentary Secretary Alghabra met, amongst others, with Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz, Secretary of the Interior Arif Ahmed Khan, UNICEF-Pakistan, OCHA-Pakistan as well as human rights groups and related non-governmental organizations.

While in Thailand, Parliamentary Secretary Alghabra offered condolences on behalf of the Government of Canada for the passing of King Bhumibol and met, amongst others, with Permanent-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Busaya Mathelin, the Director General of Consular Affairs and Human Rights Commissioner Angkhana Neelapaijit.

In the Philippines, Parliamentary Secretary Alghabra met, amongst others, with the Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II, Secretary of Labour and Youth Silvestre Bello, Philippines Red Cross, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, international organizations and civil society.

Quotes

“Over the past few years, there has been an increasing number of Canadians choosing to live in or visit these countries, a trend that is expected to continue. As a result, Canadian missions there offer a full range of consular services, providing assistance to Canadian citizens in need.  It was an important time to see those efforts first hand, to discuss the critical importance Canada attaches to Consular services and to meet the organizations dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable.”

– Omar Alghabra, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular)

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Pakistan

Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular) Omar Alghabra had a productive discussion with Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the PM of Pakistan.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular) Omar Alghabra in a meeting with OCHA Pakistan and UNICEF Pakistan discussing role of Canada in the region.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular) Omar Alghabra with Secretary of Interior Arif Ahmed Khan of Pakistan.

Philippines

Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular) Omar Alghabra had a productive discussion with Enrique Manalo, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary of the Philippines

Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular) Omar Alghabra discuss issues of mutual concern with with Secretary of Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II of the Philippines.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular) Omar Alghabra discussed Canada’s continuous support for humanitarian assistance with Red Cross Philippines and partners.

Thailand

Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular) Omar Alghabra signing the condolence book for the passing of his Majesty King Bhumibol.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular) Omar Alghabra and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Mrs. Busaya Mathelin, met for a wide-ranging discussion including Canada-Thailand cooperation on consular service to nationals of both countries.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular) Omar Alghabra and Canadian Ambassador to Thailand Donica Pottie (left) meet with Ms. Angkana Neelapaijit, Thailand’s Human Rights Commissioner, for a useful discussion on women’s rights, inclusion and diversity.