September 2, 2014 - Tirana, Albania - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today concluded his first official visit to the Republic of Albania, where he continued to promote a strong and coordinated response to address ongoing threats to global security, most notably in Europe and the Middle East. Baird’s visit coincides with deliveries by Canadian Armed Forces of military equipment donated by Albania to security forces in Iraq fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
“Canada and our allies have made it clear that we will not stand by while ISIL terrorists continue their murderous rampage against innocent civilians,” said Baird. “We will continue to work with NATO allies such as Albania, and with the Government of Iraq, to provide critical supplies to the security forces protecting Iraqi civilians. These measures are complementary to the humanitarian assistance Canada is already providing to the country.”
While in Albania, Baird met with a number of senior government representatives, among them President Bujar Nishani, Prime Minister Edi Rama, and Ditmir Bushati, Minister of Foreign Affairs. During his meetings, Baird expressed Canada’s strong support for Albania’s path to European integration, noting that the economic and rule-of-law reforms Albania is currently implementing will make the country an even more valuable partner and attractive business destination for Canadian companies. On security cooperation, Minister Baird said Canada looked forward to continuing its important work with Albania to address the ISIL threat in Iraq, as well as to address the expanding crisis in Ukraine.
“The invasion of Russian forces in areas of eastern Ukraine is an alarming signal to all those who value freedom, prosperity and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Baird. “The Russian Federation’s actions represent a significant threat to the security and prosperity of all of Europe. Canada stands ready with its partners and allies to impose further economic and political sanctions if the Putin regime does not refrain from going down this reckless path.”
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
Like us on Facebook: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada-DFATD
