Canada is dedicated to strengthening its multilateral relationships with allies and partners. Through partnerships with like-minded countries, and a renewed commitment to NATO and United Nations' peacekeeping, Canada is helping build a safer and more secure world.
Following a productive trip to Brussels for the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting, National Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan participated in a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Munich.
While in Brussels, Minister Sajjan reiterated Canada's support to NATO and our commitment to the collective defence of the Alliance. In bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Italy, Romania, Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, and NATO's Secretary General, the Minister raised a number of key issues around Arctic security, the evolving situation in the Middle East, and the potential for NATO to take on a greater role in contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq.
Along with Latvia, the Minister co-hosted a meeting of the contributors to the Canada-led enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia. The ministers discussed progress on their joint efforts and reviewed upcoming priorities. The Minister also participated in a meeting of allies providing assistance to Ukraine's defence and security forces - Canada, Lithuania, Poland, United Kingdom, and the United States - along with the Ukrainian Minister of Defence. During discussions on Ukraine's defence priorities, Minister Sajjan highlighted Canada's unwavering support to Ukraine's defence reform process.
On the margins of the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting, Minister Sajjan hosted a breakfast on the status of NATO-Ukraine relations. Following this breakfast, the Minister met with Ukrainian Defence Minister, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, where Canada reiterated our commitment to Ukraine and its territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression.
While in Munich, Minister Sajjan participated in a meeting with his counterparts from the main force contributors to the Global Coalition to Defeat-ISIS. The ministers discussed the defence and security challenges of the Middle Eastern region and explored the path forward for the Coalition in Iraq.
Quotes
"The defence and security environment is constantly evolving. It's our duty to work with our allies and partners to chart a path forward in these uncertain times. Canada has been working with our international partners, such as NATO, the Coalition, and the Government of Iraq, to coordinate our fight against Daesh and support stability in the Middle East. Along with our partners and allies, we will continue to build a more secure world."
- The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
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NATO is a cornerstone of Canada's international security policy. It provides an important international forum in which to engage other nations on defence and security.
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NATO is a cornerstone of Canada's international security policy. It provides an important international forum in which to engage other nations on defence and security.
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At present, Canada is:
- Leading the multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia, where Canada recently deployed its new standard military pattern trucks, and where its Cyclone aircraft are providing support aboard a life-extended and modernized Halifax-class frigate;
- Periodically deploying CF-18 fighter aircraft to conduct surveillance and policing activities in Europe;
- Commanding NATO Mission Iraq and contributing up to 250 Canadian Armed Forces' personnel to the mission; and
- Sustaining the presence of a frigate in the Standing NATO Maritime Groups.
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Operation IMPACT is the Canadian Armed Forces' contribution to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. In addition to operations in support of Coalition efforts in Iraq, it also includes NATO Mission Iraq, and bilateral training and capacity building in Jordan and Lebanon.
