Minister Sajjan Visits Ukraine
News Release
September 28, 2017 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan concluded his second visit to Ukraine, during which he reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast commitment to the country.
On arrival in Kyiv, the Minister was met by Ukrainian soldiers who welcomed him with an Honour Guard.
Following this, Minister Sajjan met with Ukrainian Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak to discuss Canadian-Ukrainian defence relations, and to reinforce Canada’s commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and security. The meeting was an opportunity to take stock of the progress made since the Canada-Ukraine Defence Cooperation Arrangement was signed in April of this year and to discuss areas of further defence cooperation.
While in Kyiv, the Minister visited an innovative unit that utilises the expertise of engaged Ukrainians to enhance communications and intelligence capabilities.
Minister Sajjan also travelled to Lviv where he visited Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel deployed on Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s military training and capacity building mission in Ukraine. There he witnessed CAF personnel working alongside their Ukrainian counterparts, was provided an update on the progress of Operation UNIFIER, and participated in a town hall discussion with Canadian troops.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada remains fully committed to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people as they work to build a more secure, stable, and prosperous country. I am proud of the ongoing collaboration between our two military forces and look forward to sustained cooperation between our two countries. The people of Ukraine can rest assured that we will continue to stand in solidarity with you.”
Quick Facts
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Canada is unwavering in its support to Ukraine, both in helping to preserve and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty, and in providing assistance to Ukraine to implement key reforms.
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The CAF, with support from Global Affairs Canada, is providing military training and capacity building to Ukrainian Armed Forces to support Ukraine in its efforts to maintain sovereignty, security, and stability.
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Since the start of the training in September 2015, the CAF has delivered more than 140 courses to over 5580 Ukrainian soldiers.
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Canada has provided a broad range of assistance (development, financial, humanitarian, non-lethal military) to Ukraine, totaling more than $700 million since January 2014.
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Canada has contributed over $16 million in non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine’s armed forces, and will contribute an additional $7.25 million over the next two years.
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Under the extension of Operation UNIFIER until March 2019, Canada will continue to deploy up to 195 CAF personnel in Ukraine.
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The Canada-Ukraine Defence Cooperation Arrangement, signed in April 2017, further exemplifies Canada’s commitment to Ukraine. It identifies areas of mutual cooperation such as defence policy; defence research, development, and production; and military education.
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Canada also participates on Ukraine’s Defence Reform Advisory Board (DRAB). The DRAB has been established to provide high-level expertise and recommendations to senior political leadership carrying out planning, organization, implementation, and control of institutional reforms of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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Enhancing the security of other nations and their ability to contribute to security abroad is one of the eight core missions of Strong, Secure, Engaged, Canada’s new defence policy. Canada’s assistance to Ukraine and Ukrainians is fully aligned with the new Defence Policy.
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Contacts
Jordan Owens
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Email: jordan.owens@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca