The Hague, Netherlands - 23 March 2014
Prime Minister Harper held meetings today with Prime Minister Rutte. Prime Minister Harper is on an official visit to the Netherlands prior to the Nuclear Security Summit.
The two leaders met for a tête-à-tête meeting, following which Prime Minister Rutte hosted a working lunch for Prime Minister Harper and members of their respective Cabinets. Prime Minister Harper was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Baird and Industry Minister Moore. The Dutch Ministers of Economy, and Trade and Development, were also present.
The leaders discussed the importance of growing trade and investment ties between Canada and the Netherlands, and benefits for both countries in a range of sectors particularly in light of the recently concluded negotiations of the Canada-EU Trade Agreement. They agreed to promote the benefits of the Agreement to their respective business leaders.
They also exchanged views on foreign policy issues of mutual concern. Prime Minister Rutte was interested to hear first hand of Prime Minister Harper's meetings on March 22 in Kyiv, Ukraine. They agreed on the importance of a coordinated response to Russia's aggression in Crimea. The leaders also discussed Iran, Syria and the challenges of cyber security.
Prime Minister Harper and Prime Minister Rutte also exchanged views regarding the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit which the Dutch Prime Minister is hosting in the days ahead (March 24-25).
Prime Minister Harper expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Rutte for the generous hospitality extended to the Canadian delegation in the context of both the bilateral visit to the Netherlands, and the upcoming Summit.
