The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will travel to Brussels, Belgium, where she will co-chair the High-Level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on May 11.
The coalition, which comprises 49 members, including states and international organizations, supports the safe return and reintegration of Ukrainian children unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred by Russia. Minister Anand will co-chair the meeting alongside Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission; Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement; and Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
The high-level meeting will advance international efforts to strengthen coordination within the coalition and support Ukraine's work to trace, return and reintegrate affected Ukrainian children. Discussions will also focus on ensuring accountability for these violations, including Russia's systematic efforts to conceal the identities and whereabouts of children, and the long-term rehabilitation and reintegration support that children and families need following their return.
While in Brussels, Minister Anand will also meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as senior officials from the European Union and Ukraine, to discuss shared security priorities and ongoing support for Ukraine. The Minister will also deliver remarks at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council.
