Today, Minister Anand concluded a successful visit to Brussels, Belgium, where she attended a meeting of the United States-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group and a meeting of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers.
On June 15, Minister Anand was joined by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre, for a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. During this meeting, representatives of over 50 countries discussed responses to Ukraine's current and future defence needs. Minister Anand announced $9 million in additional Canadian military aid for Ukraine, namely, replacement barrels for M777 Howitzers. This complements our previous donation of M777 Howitzers, compatible ammunition, and training of Ukrainian Forces in the use of this equipment.
On the same day, Minister Anand met with her Ukrainian counterpart, Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov. Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada's commitment to continue providing Ukraine with the military equipment that it needs to defend its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and the two ministers discussed how Canada's military aid can best address Ukraine's top defence priorities.
Minister Anand also held a bilateral meeting with her Latvian counterpart, Dr. Artis Pabriks, where she restated Canada's steadfast commitment to the security of our Baltic Allies. The two ministers discussed Canada's recent addition of troops and capabilities to NATO's enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia, and Minister Anand reiterated that Canada is deploying a General Officer and Staff Officers to the Headquarters of NATO's Multinational Division North, based in Adazi, Latvia.
On June 15 and 16, Defence Minister Anita Anand participated in the NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting where Allies had the opportunity to meet with close partners and address key shared priorities in preparation for the NATO Summit in Madrid later this month. During the meeting, defence ministers discussed ongoing efforts to support Ukraine. Discussions centred on strengthening NATO's longer term deterrence and defence posture and further bolstering our forces' readiness to face ongoing and future security challenges.
On June 16, Minister Anand held a bilateral meeting with Portugal's Defence Minister, Helena Carreiras and met with Spain's Defence Minister, Margarita Robles. Minister Anand also spoke with U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, and NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, about Canada's ongoing efforts to support Ukraine and reinforce the security of NATO's Eastern flank.
While in Brussels, Minister Anand joined Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Latvia, Dr. Pabriks, and representatives of other troop-contributing nations, for an event to mark the fifth anniversary of NATO's multinational enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia, which has been led by Canada since 2017. Minister Anand further highlighted Canada's commitment to supporting NATO's assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe through Canada's Operation REASSURANCE.
Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to NATO and working closely with Allies to enhance cooperation and build a more resilient Alliance.
