(No. 79 – February 24, 2010 – 6:10 p.m. ET) The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today announced he will attend the February 25 inauguration of Viktor Yanukovych as Ukraine’s new president.
“Canada congratulates Ukraine’s newly elected president, Viktor Yanukovych, on his victory,” said Minister of State Kent. “Canada looks forward to continuing to collaborate closely with Ukraine and to advancing common values and shared interests.”
The Government of Canada is a strong supporter of Ukrainian democracy, and this is reflected by the fact that over 300 Canadian observers monitored the conduct of Ukraine’s presidential elections.
More than a million Canadian citizens are of Ukrainian origin. Canada is the fourth-largest donor of technical assistance to Ukraine, and the Canadian International Development Agency has designated Ukraine a country of focus. Canada is also a strong supporter of Ukraine’s Euro?Atlantic aspirations.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Eleanor Johnston
Senior Special Assistant (Communications)
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)
613-947-8981
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
