Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji met with the President of the Canadian Senate, Raymond Gagne, and discussed with her bilateral relations, the situation in Lebanon, the course of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, and the issue after the end of the UNIFIL mission, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. The meeting comes as part of Raji's official visit to Canada, which he began on Wednesday morning, and includes meetings with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and other Canadian officials. Ghani praised the Lebanese community in Canada and its active role in Canadian society, reiterating her country’s support for Lebanon, and inquiring about ways to provide additional support to it and stand by its side. For his part, Minister Raji thanked Canada for its continued support for Lebanon, stressing “the importance of continuing to support the Lebanese army as it is the basic pillar that enables the state to establish stability.” He called for "supporting the government in its efforts to end the Israeli occupation, stop the attacks, and confine weapons to the state." He stressed that "Lebanon cannot enjoy prosperity and stability, in light of the presence of illegal armed groups." In Canada, Minister Raji held a meeting with the ambassadors of the Council of the League of Arab States accredited in Ottawa, at the headquarters of the Lebanese Embassy. The meeting began with a welcome speech by the Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Yemen, Jamal Al-Sallal, in which he affirmed “his country and the Arab countries’ support for Lebanon, strengthening its institutions, extending its authority over its entire territory, restricting weapons to the state, and making it monopolize the decision of war and peace alone.” He also stressed "solidarity with Lebanon in its efforts aimed at strengthening its role in the region." For his part, Minister Raji renewed “Lebanon’s solidarity and condemnation of the unjustified attacks against the Gulf states, Jordan and Yemen, and presented the situation in Lebanon frankly and clearly,” stressing that “Lebanon no longer wants to support anyone or antagonize anyone, and that the Lebanese want to live in peace in a normal, prosperous and stable country, and for Lebanon to regain its leading position in education and hospitalization at the regional level.” He considered that “this goal cannot be achieved as long as there is an armed organization outside the authority of the state.” He stopped at the framework agreement that was signed with Israel, explaining that “it is not a final treaty, but rather a framework for future negotiations,” stressing that “negotiations are the only solution to stop Israeli attacks and achieve withdrawal.