26 August 2013
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to mark the 22ndanniversary of Canada’s re-establishment of diplomatic ties with Baltic States:
“Twenty-two years ago today, Canada re-established diplomatic ties with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, following their declarations of independence from the Soviet Union.
“As a country with strong democratic values, Canada never recognized the Soviet Union’s occupation of the Baltic States, and always supported these nations in their struggle to restore full independence. Today, Canada and the Baltic States share the values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
“This anniversary also serves as an occasion to recognize the immense contributions of the close to 100,000 individuals of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian descent living in Canada.
“I look forward to continue strengthening the relationship that Canada and the Baltic States have shared over the years.”
