April 14, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced that he will travel to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Latvia and Estonia to meet with key counterparts to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine. This will be the Minister’s third visit to the region in recent months since the start of the crisis in Ukraine.
“I look forward to meeting with key European partners to discuss Canada’s desire for a strong and prosperous Europe—free from aggressive actors who wish to re-draw the borders of Europe,” said Baird. “Canada continues to call on Russia to de-escalate and to engage in productive dialogue with the Government of Ukraine in order to seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis.”
Since the beginning of the crisis, Canada has taken a number of steps to support the Ukrainian people as they work to restore political and economic stability, including imposing sanctions against those responsible for the ongoing crisis. Canada has been clear: it remains ready to take further action if Russia continues down this dangerous road.
“Russia continues to employ provocative actions against Ukraine, which threaten to destabilize and divide the region,” said Baird. “This is entirely unacceptable. Russia can expect to face increased isolation from the international community and suffer further serious consequences should it continue with this course of actions.”
Minister Baird’s schedule:
- Prague, Czech Republic: Tuesday, April 22
- Bratislava, Slovakia: Wednesday, April 23
- Krakow, Poland: Thursday, April 24
- Warsaw, Poland: Friday, April 25
- Riga, Latvia: Saturday, April 26
- Tallinn, Estonia: Sunday, April 27, and Monday, April 28
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