June 27, 2013 - Stockholm, Sweden - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today concluded a successful visit to Sweden as part of a week-long trip to Europe. The Minister met with key counterparts to promote a coordinated approach in support of helping Ukraine restore political and economic stability.
While in Sweden, Baird met with Carl Bildt, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. The ministers agreed that the international community must continue to apply pressure on Russia, calling on it to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The Minister also congratulated Ukraine for signing the remaining chapters of the European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement today, which will significantly deepen political and economic ties between the signatories and is expected to boost Ukraine’s income by approximately €1.2 billion per year and its exports by €1 billion per year.
“Like Sweden, Canada remains at the forefront of the international community’s response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and continues to take a number of steps to help strengthen Ukraine’s security and stability,” said Baird. “We strongly believe that Europe must continue to be united behind isolating and deterring Russia if this reckless behaviour continues.”
During his visit, Baird also met with Sweden’s trade minister, Ewa Björling; their discussions focused on further strengthening trade and investment relations.
“The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is a historic win for Canada and the EU, including Sweden,” said Baird. “We appreciate Sweden’s support and look forward to increasing trade between our two countries under this agreement, which will inevitably create more jobs, opportunity and prosperity for Canadians and Europeans.”
Finally, Baird met with prominent business leaders in Stockholm, including with the Chief Executive Officer of Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson, which operates in both Canada and Sweden and has facilities in Ottawa, Montréal, Vancouver and Mississauga.
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