Minister Joly to attend NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting in Oslo
News release
May 30, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be in Oslo, Norway, from May 31 to June 1, 2023, to attend an informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Minister Joly will also participate in a ceremony to honour the victims of the July 22, 2011, acts of terrorism on Utøya Island, Norway.
As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO Allies will meet to discuss further strengthening political and practical support for Ukraine. Minister Joly will highlight Canada’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine while it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. She will also underscore the importance of continuing a coordinated approach with NATO Allies and partners to bolster Ukraine’s defence and security capabilities.
During the meeting, Minister Joly will also highlight the importance of finalizing Sweden’s accession to the Alliance without delay. Canada strongly supports Sweden’s membership in NATO, which will strengthen the Alliance and significantly benefit Euro-Atlantic security. The Minister will continue to emphasize Canada’s support to Sweden, including against any threats to its security.
As Allies prepare for the July 2023 NATO Leaders’ Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, foreign ministers will also review the alliance’s priorities and outline key deliverables and solutions to address current and emerging security issues. These discussions will help inform the work of NATO Allies at the upcoming summit.
Quotes
“Canada is committed to supporting Ukraine, including by working with its NATO Allies and partners. Together, we will address an increasingly complex security environment. Those who seek to dismantle the rules-based international order have exacerbated the challenges we face. Our message is clear: We will not allow authoritarian regimes to erode the values we hold dear. We will continue to defend and promote democracy and the rule of law so that we can all enjoy a more peaceful and prosperous world.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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Canada co-founded NATO in 1949. Today, the alliance consists of 31 member states united in their commitment to transatlantic security and defence.
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Current Canadian contributions to NATO include:
- supporting NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe through Operation REASSURANCE. With approximately 1,100 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members currently deployed, it is Canada’s largest international military operation. Canada has been leading the multinational enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Latvia since 2017. Additionally, HMCS Fredericton is currently in the Mediterranean Sea as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, serving as part of the high readiness maritime forces
- advising on institutional reforms for, and by, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces through NATO Mission Iraq, contributing to lasting security and stability in the country
- contributing CAF personnel to the NATO-led peace support operation in Kosovo through Operation KOBOLD
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Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $1 billion worth of military assistance donations to Ukraine. This includes eight Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and one armoured recovery vehicle, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System with associated munitions, 39 armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing and more.
Associated links
Contacts
Maéva Proteau
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Maeva.Proteau@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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