Ministers Freeland and Sajjan mark Ukraine’s Independence Day

August 24, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following joint statement on Ukraine’s Independence Day:

“On August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared itself an independent country. Later that year, Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence. In the more than a quarter century that has passed since that day, Canada and Ukraine have built a strong and enduring relationship based on historic and people-to-people ties, and our commitment to advance democracy and the rule of law, as well as to protect the rules-based international order.

“On this Ukrainian Independence Day, Canada reaffirms its support for Ukraine’s people, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Canada is committed to strengthening its partnership with Ukraine over the long term.

“The 2017 Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement is creating opportunities for economic growth and further strengthens ties between our countries.

“Canada supports Ukrainian defence and security forces through its contribution under Operation UNIFIER. As a symbol of close defence cooperation and friendship, Canadian troops will march in the Independence Day parade again this year. Canada is encouraged by news that women and men will march alongside each other for the first time ever in this year’s parade.

“We also look forward to further supporting the Government of Ukraine’s reform agenda at the Ukraine Reform Conference that will be held in Canada next year.

“As a further sign of Canada’s commitment to this relationship, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will travel to Ukraine next week.

“As we mark Ukraine’s Independence Day, we join the people of Ukraine and Canadians of Ukrainian descent—who have contributed significantly to shaping Canada and its identity as a diverse and inclusive society—in celebrating the country’s history, traditions and culture.”