Minister Dion concludes successful participation in NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting
News Release
December 7, 2016 - Brussels, Belgium - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded today a successful North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Foreign Ministers Meeting. The main focus of the meeting was on the implementation of the Warsaw Summit commitments, including working more closely with partners to address the evolving security concerns in the Euro-Atlantic region.
During the meeting, NATO foreign affairs ministers discussed ways of advancing NATO-EU cooperation and working with NATO partners to project stability on the Alliance’s periphery, expressed continued support for Ukraine and received an update on the situation in Afghanistan. On July 9, 2016, the Government of Canada announced a comprehensive package of $465 million in security and development support for Afghanistan, including $195 million over three years to sustain the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.
Moreover, Minister Dion convened a meeting with countries participating in the Canadian-led battle group in Latvia: Albania, Italy, Poland and Slovenia. NATO’s enhanced forward presence is a clear demonstration of Allied solidarity and of matching a commitment to dialogue with Canada’s determination to defend NATO’s territory and citizens against any potential aggression.
On the margins of the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting, Minister Dion met with counterparts from the United Kingdom, Spain and Turkey to discuss several issues, such as regional security, the promotion of democratic principles and rules-based order, including respect for human rights.
Minister Dion is now heading to Hamburg, Germany, to attend the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Ministerial Council Meeting.
Quotes
“Canada’s commitment to NATO is unwavering and we are determined to be a strong Ally within the Alliance. Canada will continue working with all of its NATO Allies on implementing the Warsaw Summit commitments and on demonstrating our continued unity.”
- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- This was the first meeting of NATO foreign ministers since the Warsaw Summit on July 8 to 9, 2016.
- This was Minister Dion’s third time participating in a NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting.
- Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany will constitute the four Framework Nations of NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Eastern Europe.
Associated links
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Canada at NATO
- Canada makes commitment to NATO Defence and deterrence measures
- Canada renews its security support and development assistance to Afghanistan
Contacts
Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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