Montreal, 4 August 2022 (TDI): The Canadian Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly welcomed Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock in Montreal.
The Meeting
Both Foreign Ministers met to build on the strength of the transatlantic partnership between Germany and Canada in the face of growing geopolitical instability.
Foreign Minister Joly highlighted that as transatlantic partners and NATO Allies, both countries share a deep partnership. Specifically, addressing the impacts of the Russian war in Ukraine, managing the global food crisis, and fighting climate change.
Welcome to Canada @ABaerbock!
As transatlantic partners and NATO Allies, Canada and Germany share a deep partnership. From addressing the impacts of Putin’s war in Ukraine, managing the global food crisis, to fighting climate change, we are committed to working together. pic.twitter.com/2iiCvv0KNE
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) August 3, 2022
Minister Joly further said that they reflected on the growing food crisis caused by the Russian President’s hold on Ukrainian grain.
At the Port de Montreal, a key stop for the transport of Canadian grain, @ABaerbock and I reflect on the growing food crisis caused by Putin’s hold on Ukrainian grain.
🇨🇦 & 🇩🇪 are committed to working together to finding solutions. pic.twitter.com/r19jgcLYK9
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) August 3, 2022
Global Challenges
Both Foreign Ministers also participated in an armchair discussion hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal and they discussed the significance of the transatlantic partnership.
In addition to this, they exchanged perspectives on how both countries will collaborate in the face of increasing global challenges. That is, including threats to international peace and stability, global food security, and climate change.
Minister Joly said that currently, it is time for Canada and Germany to work together. Especially in addressing the most pressing international challenges.
She highlighted that from climate change, Russia’s war in Ukraine, to food security, they are determined to work together and make meaningful change.
Now is the moment for 🇨🇦 & 🇩🇪 to work together and address the most pressing international challenges.
From climate change, Russia’s war in Ukraine, to food security, we are determined to work together and make meaningful change. pic.twitter.com/8oSqMaX6vq
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) August 3, 2022
Notably, in July, Canada said it would grant a Canadian company an exemption on Russian sanctions. Also, allowing the export to Germany of six turbines under maintenance in Montreal that is part of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, of which runs from Russia to Germany.
However, Russia has reduced natural gas supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany since that time. Thus, citing technical issues that Germany said is an excuse for a “political power play”.
All in all, Minister Joly reiterated the Canadian government’s position. Specifically that the decision of granting the exemption was a “difficult” one.
