LONDON, Feb. 12 -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague and his Canadian counterpart John Baird met Wednesday to renew both countries' commitment to combating sexual violence in conflict zones and eliminating early and forced marriage.

The two ministers also discussed Syria, Iran, Somalia, the Commonwealth and the importance of continuing to promote and protect fundamental human rights, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement.

Hague commended Canada for its leadership in fighting the scourge of early and forced marriage, while Baird recognized Britain's commitment in combating sexual violence in conflict zones.

"We will work together on our priorities, including on free trade and a nuclear deal with Iran, abolishing sexual violence in conflict and striving for political stability in the Middle East. Together, we can achieve a great amount," Hague was quoted in the statement as saying.

The two ministers also addressed some key issues in Britain-Canada collaboration, including jobs, growth and the importance of the successful conclusion of a free trade deal between the European Union and Canada, according to the statement.

Their meeting came ahead of the London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade, which is scheduled for Thursday, with both sides pledging to work in partnership to reduce demand for illegal wildlife products and to support the development of sustainable livelihoods for communities affected by the trade.