Weissenhaus, 14 May 2022 (TDI): The High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles, and Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly spoke on Saturday and discussed sanctions and security with regards to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
This discussion between the High Representative and the Foreign minister took place on the sidelines of the ongoing G7 Summit. The summit is centred on the Russian war against Ukraine and its impact around the world
Discussed with my friend @melaniejoly our coordinated action on sanctions, energy diversification and security in Europe in view of Russia’s aggression against #Ukraine.
Looking forward to welcoming you in Brussels on Monday for the EU-Canada ministerial Committee Meeting! @G7 pic.twitter.com/y0ipoIBoxn
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 14, 2022
Borrell stated that they conversed on coordinated action on sanctions, energy diversification, and security in Europe in view of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Furthermore, he said he looked forward to welcoming Joly to Brussels for the EU-Canada ministerial Committee Meeting on Monday.
Previous discussions
They met in January this year before their discussions and exchanged their insights regarding their recent visits to Ukraine.
Therefore, the Canadian Minister spoke on the visit with Canadian troops under the deployment for Operation UNIFIER as well as their task to support Ukrainian Security Forces.
In addition, Joly highlighted that they spoke about the military buildup by Russia at the time.
More to this, they talked about international cooperation and the role of organizations like NATO and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in preventing further destabilizing activities in the region.
Furthermore, they both condemned Russia’s actions of aggression and affirmed again their firm commitment to the sovereignty of Ukraine, independence, and territorial integrity.
In addition to this, Borrell and Joly agreed on multilateralism and strong transatlantic connections are important in addressing challenges in Eastern Europe.
More to this, Joly and Borrell further discussed the EU and Canada’s security and defense cooperation.
They also spoke about their climate change leadership and political and humanitarian cooperation that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations, especially in Haiti, Venezuela Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.
EU and Canada relations
The relationship between the EU and Canada is based on a long history of close cooperation, shared values, and strong people-to-people ties.
As a result of the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), they both work more closely than before across the whole policy spectrum.
It includes foreign policy, trade, investment, international peace and security, and development cooperation.
