OTTAWA - Canada's foreign affairs minister leaves today for a trip to North Africa and the Middle East.

Lawrence Cannon will meet with leaders and ministers of Libya, Israel and Saudi Arabia over the next week.

Cannon will discuss bilateral issues and regional matters including the Middle East peace process and the situations in Iran, Afghanistan.

He will also take part a conference in Israel that will look at what the future holds for Israel and the global community.

Canon is due to return to Canada next weekend.