Saudi teen Rahaf arrives in Canada

Saudi teenager Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun has been welcomed by the Canadian foreign minister at Toronto's airport after she was granted asylum there.

Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun with Canadian minister Chrystia Freeland (R)

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland (R) has welcomed Saudi teen Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun. (AAP) Source: AAP

An 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled alleged abuse by her family has arrived in Canada after she was granted asylum there.

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun stood arm-in-arm with Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland at Toronto's airport on Saturday local time, The Associated Press reported.
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Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun stands with Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland (right) as she arrives at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
AAP

 

Ms Qunun smiled broadly as she exited an arrival door wearing a Canada hoodie.

"This is Rahaf al-Qunun, a very brave new Canadian," Ms Freeland said.

The teenager was tired and preferred not to take questions but she had wanted to come out and say hello to Canadians, Ms Freeland added.

"She wanted Canadians to see that she's here, that she's well and that she's very happy to be in her new home."

 The refugee boarded a Korean Air flight from Bangkok to Seoul late on Friday night before catching a connecting flight to Canada.

She tweeted two pictures from her plane seat - one with what appeared to be a glass of wine and her passport, and another holding her passport with the hashtag "I did it".


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Presented by Yang J. Joo

Source: SBS News, AAP




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