On 27 February in Ottawa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius kicked off his overseas visit meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada François-Philippe Champagne and the Canadian Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan.
The meeting with the Canadian Foreign Minister focused on regional and energy security issues, the development of bilateral relations, and cooperation within international organizations. The interlocutors highlighted the intensifying economic relations between Lithuania and Canada, as well as new opportunities for partnership in science, innovation, and other areas.
“We value greatly our good bilateral relationship with Canada, Canada’s political engagement and support for ensuring the security of our region. As the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania’s independence is coming up, we would like to thank Canada for its contribution to our struggle for independence and that the country has never recognized the forcible incorporation of Lithuania into the Soviet Union,” said L. Linkevičius.
The Foreign Ministers discussed support for Ukraine’s ongoing reforms and Lithuania’s preparations to hold the Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius in July 2020. The Canadian Foreign Minister is also invited to attend the conference.
L. Linkevičius and the Canadian Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan discussed cooperation within NATO, the need for coordination in the fight against hybrid threats and disinformation, and in the cybersecurity sphere. The meeting also discussed Canada’s role in boosting the security of the Baltic region and cooperation in strengthening the country’s military presence in Ukraine.
