Toronto:Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and the Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ukraine, participated in the 'Pathways to Peace' International Conference in Toronto, Canada, held from September 28 to 29, 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Hashimy was welcomed by Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, who praised the UAE's humanitarian efforts and its successful mediation in facilitating the release of captives between Russia and Ukraine. The discussions between the two officials focused on enhancing cooperation regarding Ukraine and strengthening UAE-Canada relations, especially after the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations.
The conference, which gathered foreign ministers and high-level representatives from various countries and international organizations, built on previous meetings, such as the Ministerial Meeting on the Human Dimension of Ukraine's 10-Point Peace Formula in Montreal in October 2024. The event aimed to review the progress achieved under the Montreal Pledge.
Participants at the conference deliberated on practical measures to ensure the release, safe return, and reintegration of prisoners of war, detained civilians, and children, guided by international human rights and humanitarian law principles. The importance of collective efforts and the role of mediators in creating conditions for their return were emphasized.
During the conference, the UAE took part in a session on humanitarian access and reintegration for Ukrainian prisoners of war, reaffirming its commitment to facilitating exchanges in coordination with all parties involved and supporting efforts towards a lasting peace.
The UAE has played a significant role in mediating prisoner exchanges, facilitating 26 rounds of exchanges, resulting in the release of 7,997 captives. It has also hosted trilateral peace talks with the United States, Ukraine, and Russia in Abu Dhabi in early 2026.
Beyond mediation, the UAE continues to provide humanitarian and economic support to Ukraine, including medical, food, and energy aid. It also collaborates with European partners to support educational and economic resilience in Ukraine. The UAE's economic partnership with Ukraine was further solidified with the signing of the CEPA in 2025, highlighting mutual confidence in various sectors.
On the sidelines of the conference, Al Hashimy conducted meetings with officials from Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, and Canada to explore further cooperation in humanitarian and development projects and to enhance bilateral relations. She reiterated the UAE's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine through diplomacy and dialogue.
Al Hashimy was accompanied by Abdulrahman Al Neyadi, the UAE Ambassador to Canada, and other senior government officials.