The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday met with Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, during the informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers, also known as Gymnich, in Wicklow, Ireland.
Minister Anand and EU High Representative Kallas exchanged views on key foreign policy and security challenges. In an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment, they reaffirmed that Canada and the EU are trusted partners, closely aligned in advancing international peace, security and prosperity.
They welcomed the significant progress made since the Canada-EU Summit in June 2025, including the implementation of the Canada-EU Security and Defence Partnership, closer defence industrial cooperation through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financial instrument, ongoing negotiations toward a Canada-EU digital trade agreement and enhanced collaboration on critical minerals and economic security. They underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation among democratic partners to address shared security challenges and build greater resilience on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Minister Anand and EU High Representative Kallas reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. They also discussed ongoing coordination on global and regional issues, including support for international law, effective multilateralism and efforts to promote stability and security worldwide.
They agreed to remain in close contact as Canada and the EU continue to advance their ambitious and growing strategic partnership, including in preparation for the Canada-EU Summit in Canada on October 29-30, 2026.
