Prime Minister, MND and CDS travel to Europe to further strengthen Canada’s solidarity

Amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau travelled to Europe last Sunday to further strengthen Canada’s solidarity with European partners and allies.

Additionally, Defence Minister Anita Anand and Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Wayne Eyre, also travelled to Latvia to join the Prime Minister for a portion of his trip.

“In light of Russia’s unwarranted and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, Canada is working in close collaboration with our allies and partners in defending democracy against authoritarianism and standing with the Ukrainian people. We will continue to ensure that Russia’s actions do not go unpunished,” said Trudeau in a statement.

Starting in London

Trudeau’s visit to Europe started off over the weekend in London as he met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He was also joined by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to coordinate additional responses to Russia’s attack on Ukraine. During his visit to the United Kingdom, Trudeau will also have an audience with the Queen.

Collaboration in Latvia

Following his stay in the United Kingdom, Trudeau will travel to Riga, Latvia, on March 8, where he will be joined by Defence Minister Anand and Gen. Wayne Eyre.

During his stay in Latvia, the Prime Minister met with Latvia Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš. During NATO deference measures discussions, they were joined by the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas, and the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ingrida Šimonytė. Trudeau will also met with Latvia’s President, Egils Levits.

While in Latvia, Trudeau also met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss “the Alliance’s response to Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine, Canada’s unwavering support for NATO’s eastern flank, and the importance of continued coordination and collaboration amongst allies and partners in their support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.”

He also met with Canadian Armed Forces members in Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE. Minister Anand and Gen. Eyre met with several European counterparts and visited with CAF personnel.

“During the trip, Minister Anand and General Eyre will reaffirm Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s further invasion, emphasize the importance of continuing cooperation with European Allies and reiterate Canada’s commitment to international security and the rules-based international order,” stated a press release from the Department of National Defence.

Remaining Trip

The Prime Minister’s nearly six-day trip to Europe concluded with stops in Berlin on March 9 and finally in Warsaw, Poland, on March 10.

While in Berlin, Trudeau met with Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf Scholz and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

“Together, the leaders will discuss peace and security in Europe, including through their shared dedication to democracy and multilateralism. Prime Minister Trudeau and Chancellor Scholz will also explore avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation to enhance trade, fight climate change and build the economy of the future, including through the transition to clean energy,” stated a press release from the Prime Minister’s office.

Concluding Trip

Trudeau rounded off his trip by meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda to discuss Europe’s security concerns, specifically in light of the growing refugee crisis as Ukrainians flee from the Russian invasion.

Throughout his tour, Trudeau reaffirmed with his European counterparts the successes of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement in creating jobs.