Defence Minister concludes visit to the UK
News Release
Canada and the UK reaffirm ongoing defence collaboration
December 18, 2015
London, UK — Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan met with his British counterpart, Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon, for the first time yesterday, where the two defence leaders expressed a mutual desire to work collaboratively on issues of common interest, including allied contributions to the Global Coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
During their meeting, Minister Sajjan and Secretary Fallon discussed a number of pressing security and defence issues, including the coordination of national training efforts in Ukraine and Canada’s intent to continue to make positive contributions to the global coalition against ISIL. Congratulations were also paid to the UK on the recent release of the Strategic Defence and Security Review.
The Minister also took a moment to lay a wreath at the Canadian Memorial in Green Park, located across from Buckingham Palace. The Canada Memorial pays tribute to the nearly one million Canadian and Newfoundland men and women who served in the United Kingdom during the First and Second World Wars. In particular, it honours the more than 100,000 brave Canadians and Newfoundlanders who paid the ultimate sacrifice for peace and freedom.
Quick Facts
- During this two day visit, Minister Sajjan also conducted a town hall meeting with senior leaders of the Canadian High Commission and with staff.
- Canada and the UK maintain close working relations at all levels, both bilaterally and multilaterally through NATO membership, participation in UN peacekeeping operations and other multinational military activities.
- Recently, Canada and the UK worked closely along with international allies during a six-month mission in Kerry Town, Sierra Leone, to combat the spread of the Ebola virus disease in West Africa.
- This is Minister Sajjan’s first visit to the UK since becoming Minister of National Defence.
Quotes
“In light of changing global threats, cooperation with likeminded nations is increasingly important. I am pleased to have met with my counterpart to further build upon the enduring relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom. Open and collaborative exchanges such as those I have had on this visit enhance defence and security cooperation on a range of priorities.”
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
Associated Links
- Statement by the Minister of National Defence regarding recent actions by the Canadian Armed Forces in Iraq
- Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Gallery
- Canada – Uk Defence relations
- Canada Memorial in Green Park
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