October 11, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today concluded his bilateral visit to the Netherlands, which focused on global security and bilateral cooperation. In his meeting with Minister Frans Timmermans, his Dutch counterpart, Baird discussed a range of pressing international issues, including the global threat of the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
“Canada and the Netherlands are partners in the coalition to degrade the capabilities of ISIL, while working to contain the growing humanitarian catastrophe,” said Baird. “ISIL continues its barbaric tactics of widespread sexual violence against Iraqi women and girls. Canada and its allies are working together to support survivors and hold the perpetrators to account.”
Baird also welcomed the cooperation of the Netherlands and other European partners in responding to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
“It is important that we maintain pressure on Russia to halt its campaign of aggression and destabilization in eastern Ukraine,” said Baird. “Minister Timmermans has been a powerful voice in the European Union, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in his new position as First Vice President of the European Commission.”
Baird also reiterated Canada’s support for the investigation into the Flight MH17 crash, and welcomed the September 9 publication by the Dutch Safety Board of its preliminary report on Flight MH17.
“Canada continues to support the investigative team’s important work, and stands ready to assist as needed,” said Baird. He also offered his condolences to the Dutch people.
Canada and the Netherlands have been strong partners on not just global security issues, but also economic prosperity. Both ministers reiterated their support for the Canada-EU Trade Agreement, and signalled that this would result in more hope, jobs and opportunity for Canadians and the Dutch alike.
Finally, Baird thanked Minister Timmermans for his personal friendship, and for organizing a memorable trip to Nijmegen, where Baird’s grandfather Ken Collins of the 44th Light Aid Detachment fought during the Liberation of the Netherlands.
“This visit will go down as one of the most memorable of my career,” said Baird. “Seeing first-hand where my grandfather, along with hundreds of other Canadians, fought to liberate the Netherlands was moving and a touching tribute to the friendship we have between our two great nations. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity, and have a reinvigorated respect for the values that we as Canadians fought so valiantly for in the First and Second World Wars: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
- 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
