The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today organized a seventh call with his counterparts from countries affected by COVID-19, including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

The ministers agreed that while the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed new challenges on the multilateral system, they underscored the critical role of multilateralism and international institutions in securing the health, prosperity and security of states, including efforts toward finding a vaccine.

Several ministers also reiterated that a strong and coordinated multilateral response is essential to combat this crisis and to address the critical needs and challenges of vulnerable countries and groups, particularly women and children.

They committed to continue working together to strengthen the multilateral system.