Soesterberg, Netherlands - 4 May 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper met today with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands. The leaders met in the context of commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands at the end of the Second World War.
The leaders reaffirmed the unique and enduring bond between Canada and the Netherlands due to the Canadian military’s leading role in liberating the Dutch people from enemy occupation, and the ongoing importance of memorializing our shared sacrifice in preserving freedom.
With respect to international security, Prime Minister Harper and Prime Minister Rutte reiterated the importance of maintaining a firm and united stance on Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and of continued close cooperation in countering the threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
They also confirmed the great value and strength of bilateral ties and their mutual desire to further enhance relations, including within the framework of the Canada-EU Trade Agreement.
They discussed the state of the global economy and the current challenges being addressed in Europe. In addition, they agreed to further cooperation in the promotion internationally of maternal, newborn and child health.
The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch on these and other issues.
