Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel regarding Public Diplomacy Cooperation

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, hereinafter referred to as the “Participants,”

Seeking to uphold the commitments made in the Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Israel regarding a Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership, signed at Jerusalem on 21 January 2014 to strengthen their bilateral relationship,

Reaffirming their dedication to the shared values of freedom of expression and assembly, democracy, and the rule of law,

Sharing the view that only direct negotiations between the State of Israel and the Palestinians can lead to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and the achievement of a two states solution,

Deeply concerned by efforts to single out the State of Israel for criticism and isolate the State of Israel internationally including calls for a boycott of the State of Israel, for the divestment of investments, and for sanctions to be imposed on Israel,

Recognizing that the selective targeting of Israel reflects the new face of anti‑Semitism,

Have come to the following understanding:

  1. The Participants will work together to oppose efforts to single out or isolate the State of Israel through:
    1. Developing a coordinated, public diplomacy initiative both bilaterally and in international and multilateral fora to oppose boycotts of Israel, its institutions, and its people within three to six months;
    2. Publically expressing their opposition to those who would call into question the State of Israel‘s very right to exist or to defend itself, by itself;
    3. Engaging in annual consultations to identify opportunities to advocate in favour of the State of Israel's full participation in the global economy.
  2. This Memorandum of Understanding will take effect on the date of its last signature by the Participants.
  3. The Participants may amend this Memorandum of Understanding upon their mutual written consent.
  4. A Participant may terminate this Memorandum of Understanding by giving a written notice to the other Participant.

Signed in duplicate at Jerusalem on this 18 day of January 2015, which corresponds to the 27 day of Tevet 5775 in the Hebrew calendar, in the English, French and Hebrew languages, all versions being equally valid.

John Baird
For the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

Avigdor Lieberman
For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel