Defence Minister wraps up European tour with a visit to the UK

News Release

June 13, 2015

London, UK – Defence Minister Jason Kenney met today with his counterpart from the United Kingdom, Secretary of Defence Michael Fallon, for the first time in order to discuss defence matters of importance to both countries.

They discussed developments in Ukraine and Iraq, the upcoming NATO Defence Ministerial meeting as well as the decisions which Allies will be expected to make, and the importance of the NATO alliance in the present security context.

Quick Facts

Canada and the UK enjoy a close-knit and multifaceted defence partnership that dates back several centuries. Since the days of “One Flag, One Fleet, One Throne” under Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Sir Robert Borden, the Canadian Armed Forces have evolved but still share many traditions, values and beliefs with their British counterparts.
The Canadian and UK defence ministries maintain close working relations at all levels, both bilaterally and multilaterally through NATO membership, participation in UN peacekeeping operations and other multinational military activities. In recent years, the Canadian and UK defence ministries have worked particularly closely with international allies on the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and against the so-called Islamic state in the Middle East.
Defence co-operation between the two countries is also evident in many other activities:
- Canadian and British personnel serve on reciprocal exchange and professional development programs. The British Army Training Unit in Suffield, Alberta, conducts regular mechanized battle exercises to maintain military readiness. Specialized elements of Canadian military training are conducted in the UK to take advantage of their expertise and to share and solidify best practices.
- Canada and the UK are both members of the US-Ukraine Joint Commission and are committed to strengthening the capacity of the Ukrainian Government and its security forces to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its people in the face of the Putin regime’s aggression.
- Representatives from the UK regularly join leading thinkers, policymakers, and practitioners from Canada and around the world to discuss ideas and share insights on important global security challenges during the annual Halifax International Security Forum.
Minister Kenney’s trip to London was part of a broader visit to Europe during which he signed a Declaration of Intent between the Department of National Defence of Canada and the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Poland.

Quotes

“The relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom has a long history and has adjusted to numerous challenges from before the Cold War era to the present. I am pleased to be here today to strengthen our relationship, most particularly in light of its importance in the campaign against international terrorism.”
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

Related Products

Canada-UK relations backgrounder

- 30 -

Contacts

Lauren Armstrong
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
lauren.armstrong2@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Search for related information by keyword

Hon. Jason Kenney National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Military

Page details

2016-12-14

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

We have archived this page and will not be updating it.

Defence Minister wraps up European tour with a visit to the UK

News Release

Page details