Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a successful trip to Europe. During his visit, the Minister participated in the 26th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting hosted by the United Kingdom (UK), a meeting of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany.
“On the anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, which followed years of persecution by the Kremlin, we again extend our condolences to his family. We reiterate that the ultimate responsibility for his death lies with the Russian authorities. One year on, Russia’s dire human rights record continues to deteriorate. The Kremlin crushes peaceful dissent, maintains a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. All to serve its own interests. As we reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy, we continue to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia in the face of immense personal risk.
The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing those who have contributed to the well-being of Veterans and their families, and to keeping the memory of their contributions, sacrifices, and achievements alive.
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $56.8 million in new funding for projects to support the Indo-Pacific region in the areas of gender equality, Rohingya refugees, health and economic growth and to strengthen Canada’s partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, concluded a productive visit to Bangladesh and Indonesia, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to sustainable development, climate action and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and countries in the broader Indo-Pacific region. These development initiatives strengthen local communities while benefiting the global economy and Canada’s security and prosperity.
“Today, we commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, marking a significant milestone. Eighty countries and entities from all corners of the world have now endorsed the declaration, demonstrating a powerful and growing global consensus against the use of individuals as bargaining chips in diplomatic disputes.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, chaired a Women Foreign Ministers Meeting, during which the gravity of the situation facing women and girls in Afghanistan was discussed.
