Ottawa, 6 June 2022 (TDI): Mélanie Joly, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed the representatives of the three Baltic Republics to Canada.
Eva-Maria Liimets, Estonia’s former Foreign Minister; Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister; and Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Latvia’s Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid a visit to Canada.
As close intercontinental partners, the ministers discussed potential chances to facilitate their endeavors including safeguarding against disinformation and developing dictatorship.
They likewise addressed the increased importance of energy and food security that is threatened due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War.
Furthermore, Minister Joly met with each one of the Baltic delegates individually. They examined the significance of expanding on over thirty years of relations
In addition, the meetings continued in Toronto, wherein Minister Joly and the Baltic delegations met with commercial leaders across several sectors to deepen Canada-Baltic financial ties.
In meetings with the Baltic representatives, Minister Joly discussed the collective effort to strengthen European security and deal with the humanitarian and financial effects of the Russia-Ukraine War.
They further mentioned in detail how they could improve the current scenario and the way they are able to take it in the long term.
Minister Joly further emphasized Canada’s commitment to NATO’s presence within the eastern flank. That includes Operation Reassurance in Latvia, which is a significant assurance and deterrence mission.
Together with the Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand, Minister Joly, and the Baltic delegations visited CFB Valcartier. They met and expressed gratitude to the Canadian Armed Forces personnel stationed there.
Several of those personnel already have served, or will serve Operation Reassurance in Latvia.
Canada-Baltic Relations
Canada established diplomatic relations with Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia soon after their independence from the USSR in 1991. Canada’s embassy in Riga is accredited to all three Baltic countries.
All these countries are members of NATO and partners in the Euro-Atlantic security order. Moreover, Canada enjoys good relations with the Baltics in the fields of education, culture, economy, trade, and security.
Furthermore, high-level contacts between the countries are common. Last month, the Prime Ministers of Canada and Latvia held a meeting.
