New Delhi, Jan. 7 : Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier will travel to the Middle East and India between January 9 and 14.

Bernier will visit Saudi Arabia, India, the West Bank and Israel. During his visit, he plans to meet with a range of high-ranking officials, political leaders and civil society representatives. Bernier will be accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Deepak Obhrai.

“I am looking forward to my first visit to the Middle East and to this opportunity to discuss regional issues of mutual concern. Our message in the region is clear: we support efforts that will lead to a peaceful and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel. I also look forward to my visit to India, where I will have the chance to discuss a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, such as the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

Bernier will meet with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal on January 9 and 10. On January 11 and 12, he will meet with several Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi.

Bernier will conclude his visit in Ramallah, West Bank, and Tel Aviv, Israel. On January 13, he will meet with Lt.-Gen. Keith Dayton, United States Security Coordinator, and Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Foreign Minister Riad Malki. On January 14, he will meet various Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, to discuss Canadian and Israeli foreign policy concerns in the Middle East. (ANI)