Jason Kenney, the Canadian Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, recently returned from a visit to the country of Lebanon. While there, the Minister discussed the deepening of economic relations and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting the country’s ongoing efforts to address the Syrian refugee crisis.

Minister Kenney spent four days in the country, traveling to a number of major cultural and religious sites. While visiting Syrian refugees, he announced Canada’s commitment to assisting UNICEF’s Improving Access to Quality Education for all Children initiative. In total, Canada has committed more than $630 million in humanitarian, development, and security assistance in response to the crisis in Syria.

Canada and Lebanon have a long history of cultural and economic exchange. Almost 500,000 Canadians can trace their roots to Lebanon, and Lebanese culture is prevalent in a number of Canadian cities. The country is also a major trading partner with Canada. Last year alone, Canadian exports to Lebanon totalled more than $74 million, and imports totalled $20 million.

Minister Kenney noted that Lebanon’s diverse heritage resonates with his own experience of Canadian multiculturalism.

“Canada’s model of pluralism is profoundly relevant to Lebanon, the only Middle Eastern country built on a balanced partnership between religious and ethnic communities,” said Minister Kenney. “Canada’s Lebanese community has succeeded in every domain, and is a great platform to help expand trade and commerce to the benefit of both countries.”