Canada-Syria relations

Canada’s links with Syria go back over a century, to the arrival of the first Syrian (and Lebanese) immigrants in 1882, one of the first Arab communities in Canada. Diplomatic relations with Syria were established in 1965. Canada opened an Embassy in Damascus in 1985 and Syria opened an Embassy in Ottawa in 1999.

The political dialogue with Syria is currently limited, and focuses on Syria’s role in the region, human rights and the importance of political reforms. Canada has expressed concerns with the conduct of the May 2007 elections and with the harsh sentences against prominent political prisoners. Ottawa have called for presidential clemency and the immediate release of all political prisoners. Canada and Syria are continuing their cultural and academic activities. Projects have included the Canadian Education Resource Centre at the University of Damascus, and support for conferences in Syria on women’s participation and international humanitarian law. The annual Terry Fox Run in Damascus also took place in Aleppo in 2007 and continues to grow. Funds raised go to the Syrian Cancer Registry.

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