Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, walk down the Hall of Honour in Centre Block on Parliament Hill.
Ottawa, Ontario - 9 February 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today held a productive meeting with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, who was visiting Ottawa.
Discussions during Chancellor Merkel’s second bilateral visit to Canada focused on the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the next steps to help bring an end to the conflict. Preparations for the G-7 Summit being hosted by Germany this year in Schloss Elmau, Bavaria, also featured in discussions. Items on the agenda for this year’s Summit will include traditional G-7 issues such as international security, development, health and the global economy, in addition to several new initiatives being championed by Germany. Prime Minister Harper congratulated Chancellor Merkel on hosting a successful replenishment conference for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, a key component of Canada's efforts to improve maternal, newborn and child health.
The leaders also discussed a number of other pressing security issues such as the Middle East and the ongoing fight against terrorism, including the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
They also reaffirmed the robust relationship between the two countries, emphasizing the opportunities offered by the Canada-European Union Trade Agreement.
