Muscat – Saudi-based Canadian diplomat Jean-Philippe Linteau has lauded Oman’s great leadership in resolving disputes between countries at war like no other player in the region.

While the region is bleeding due to multiple wars or war-like situations, Oman’s leadership has continued to facilitate global leaders coming to negotiating tables for restoration of peace.

“Canada holds Oman in high esteem, like the other G7 members, for the unique abilities and friendly relations that it enjoys with every country,” the Canadian Ambassador to Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen, said during his recent visit to Muscat.

Referring to the sultanate’s stature on the global stage in resolving disputes and restoring peace in the region, the new Canadian envoy highlighted his country’s excellent working relationship with Oman.

He praised His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his leadership in regional and global peace efforts.

Speaking exclusively to Muscat Daily, the ambassador touched upon the ongoing conflict in Gaza that has resulted in an unimaginable humanitarian crisis. Canada has taken a firm stand on Gaza, calling on all parties involved to immediately cease fire and allow humanitarian aid, while focusing on a long term solution to this decades-old dispute.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with His Majesty the Sultan earlier in January to discuss the situation in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Linteau informed.

Trudeau underscored his country’s “enduring support for a two-state solution”, while calling for the immediate release of all hostages. Linteau asserted his country’s uncompromised position on the protection of Palestinian lives caught in the crisis.

Canada voted to stop arms shipments to Israel over the Gaza war and announced a five-fold increase in visas for Palestinians in Gaza. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that 5,000 visas will be offered to Palestinians seeking to join family in Canada.

His Majesty the Sultan and Prime Minister Trudeau shared their deep concern for the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and “stressed the importance of upholding the international humanitarian law, ensuring access to affected areas and protecting civilians.”

The two leaders also discussed the regional security implications of the conflict and efforts toward de-escalation, Linteau added.

On a visit to Muscat last month, he held meetings with several ministers and senior officials.

Linteau expressed his delight for the opportunity to visit and revive relations with Oman. Following a diplomatic disengagement between Riyadh and Ottawa in 2018, relations between Oman and Canada also saw a dull phase until recently.

“We want more people-to-people exchange, besides visits at the ministerial level,” Linteau said.

In this context, the envoy spoke about Canada’s strong standing in the educational field and encouraged students from Oman to take advantage of his country’s cutting-edge education system.

“I was told that the medical practitioners trained in Canada are doing really well with their high skill sets. We would like to take it further up.”

Linteau presented his credentials to His Majesty the Sultan on Monday, officially taking charge as Ambassador to Oman.