Declaration of Intent between the Minister of National Defence for the Department of National Defence of Canada and the Minister of Defence for the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

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Introduction
1. The histories of the Canadian and Ukrainian peoples are closely intertwined and our two countries enjoy an abiding friendship. We share an enduring commitment to democratic values, a staunch respect for human rights and are committed to a stable rules-based international order. We treasure the same values and aspire to the ideals of peace, democracy, and prosperity for our countries, our communities, and our citizens. We recognize the importance of healthy and vibrant state institutions in meeting those aspirations.
Context
1. Together, Canada and Ukraine face a turbulent world characterized by terrorism, arms proliferation, and thinly veiled attempts by states in some quarters to destabilize their neighbours. Russia has flagrantly violated the territorial integrity of Ukraine and continues its efforts to intimidate and undermine the democratically elected government in Kyiv. In doing so it has shown complete disregard for the international laws and norms that underpin the peace and security of the Euro-Atlantic area. The international community must now work together to help Ukraine as it faces a serious threat to its own peace and security.
Intent
1. Canada and Ukraine are committed to continue working together to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian government and its security forces to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its people, and to uphold and promote the institutions that serve the wellbeing of its society. We have already achieved important successes in this regard, from years of military training and cooperation offered through Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program, to bilateral financial and equipment contributions, to strengthening multilateral collaboration through the Joint Commission.
2. We declare our intent to continue working together to explore ways in which to build upon these gains, particularly as concerns defence capacity-building through the provision of general support training such as military police, medical and personal protective measures.
3. Through such future cooperation we seek to contribute to the enhancement of democratic Ukrainian institutions by working shoulder to shoulder to exploit opportunities to collaborate on current and future security concerns.

Signed in Kyiv, Ukraine on 8 December, 2014

This Declaration of Intent does not represent a legally binding commitment between Canada and Ukraine under international law or under Canadian or Ukrainian national law.

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Date modified:: 2014-12-08

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Declaration of Intent between the Minister of National Defence for the Department of National Defence of Canada and the Minister of Defence for the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

Backgrounder

Page details