Canada and the UAE sign trade, energy and training agreements

Ministers from both countries signed agreements on Tuesday pledging to advance free trade, invest in clean power and energy infrastructure and collaborate on diplomatic training. They came during the visit to Ottawa of Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Free trade talks

47 days

Canada and the UAE concluded free trade negotiations earlier this year in 47 days, which both countries called a record.

And us?

The UAE pledged around $70 billion in investment in Canada last November, and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu says it could go to mining, logistics, energy and digital technology. He said more would be announced publicly soon.

"Human rights never takes a back seat with Canada," the trade minister said when asked about rights concerns linked to the UAE.

— Maninder Sidhu, international trade minister