Ottawa, Ontario - 31 August 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement after learning that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has been elected as the next President of the European Council:
"I would like to congratulate my friend Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on being elected the next President of the European Council, starting December 1, 2014.
"I have enjoyed working closely and productively with him as Prime Minister of Poland and now I am looking forward to working with the Council under his leadership, along with the new European Union Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Among our priorities will be the implementation of the Canada-European Union Trade Agreement, which will certainly benefit our country and the European Union.
"I also look forward to their leadership and to that of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini of Italy, as we work together, along with other allies, in responding to the ongoing aggression and expansionism of the Putin regime.
"The European Union remains a key partner for Canada as we work toward a more prosperous and peaceful world respectful of human rights and freedom."
