On February 10, 2023, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted his Canadian counterpart, Minister of National Defence Anita Anand, for a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon. The two leaders discussed cooperation through NATO to counter Russian aggression against Ukraine, and their shared commitment to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernization, Arctic security, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The two leaders reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine, pledging to continue providing assistance to strengthen Ukraine's security and sovereignty over the long term. They also reaffirmed the importance of our nations' investment in modern, ready, and capable forces, steps to advance NORAD modernization, and close coordination on a range of other bilateral and global issues. In addition, the Secretary thanked Minister Anand for Canada's contribution to tracking and analysis of the high altitude balloon and support for the U.S. response to the PRC's unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.
They also emphasized the continuing commitment of the United States and Canada to work together to improve security in Haiti, in collaboration with their respective inter-agencies and regional and international partners.
