Minister Joly to travel to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference

News release

February 17, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will visit Munich, Germany, from February 17 to 19, 2023, to attend the 59th Munich Security Conference (MSC).  

At the conference, she will underscore Canada’s resolve to stand with Ukrainians in the face of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Minister Joly will participate in a panel hosted by the German Marshall Fund, where she will outline Canada’s support to Ukrainian-led reconstruction efforts. She will also engage with likeminded counterparts in a panel on regional security in the Indo-Pacific, where she will highlight Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and its commitment to supporting regional peace and stability. In addition, the Minister will participate in discussions highlighting the importance of continued global coordination to strengthen international security and defend human rights and democracy. She will also hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts to discuss shared priorities.

Minister Joly will also participate in a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting on the margins of the MSC. The Minister, along with her counterparts, will take stock of the global impacts of Russia’s unjustifiable war in Ukraine, nearly one year after the full-scale invasion.  Minister Joly will reaffirm the continued value of a united approach to supporting Ukraine as the country courageously defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Quotes

“We all know it – all of us feel it- we are at a critical moment in time where the tectonic plates of the world’s power structures are moving. The last year was a stark reminder of the lengths to which some will go to advance their imperialistic objective. In this evolving global context, the status quo is not an option. Canada ought to be clear about how we intend not just to engage, but to lead. To do so we must both deepen our existing friendships, and seek new allies. We must show the world the very best of what Canada has to offer, diversify our diplomatic networks, and be a stronger force for positive change.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,226 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, many in coordination with our allies.

  • On January 26, 2023, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, announced that Canada would supply Ukraine with 4 Leopard 2 main battle tanks from the Canadian Armed Forces’ inventory. Canada is also providing ammunition, spare parts and training for Ukrainian soldiers as part of this donation.

  • On January 10, 2023, the Minister of National Defence announced that Canada was purchasing a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System and associated munitions from the United States to donate to Ukraine. This, the first, Canadian donation of an air defence system to Ukraine, will assist Ukraine’s efforts to protect population centres, critical infrastructure and military targets.

  • Since the beginning of 2022, Canada has committed over $5 billion in funding for direct financial, military, humanitarian and other assistance to Ukraine.

  • The MSC is one of the world’s largest gatherings of its kind. It brings together global leaders and experts in an independent forum for the exchange of ideas on international security policy.

Associated links

Contacts

Adrien Blanchard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adrien.Blanchard@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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