Minister Dion underscores Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine during visit to Kyiv
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today
concluded a successful visit to Ukraine where he met with his
counterpart, Pavlo Klimkin, and with Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
Minister Dion reiterated the need for the full respect of Ukraine’s
sovereignty and underlined the importance of full implementation of the
Minsk agreements, particularly by Russia, to ensure a durable peace in
Ukraine.
Minister Dion also made it clear that the Canadian government intends
to speak clearly, bluntly and directly to Russia about its unacceptable
actions in Ukraine.
Ukraine has taken important steps to implement its Minsk obligations,
as well as essential institutional reforms for the benefit of all
Ukrainians. The importance of maintaining this momentum was the subject
of constructive discussions, as Minister Dion met with members of
Ukraine’s dynamic civil society, dedicated parliamentarians and
government officials.
Minister Dion expressed Canada’s strong desire to see Ukraine
persevere in its democratic transformation and flourish as a strong and
prosperous partner of Canada’s.
Minister Dion also visited the Maidan, where Ukrainians made immense
sacrifices for their freedom, and laid flowers at a memorial honouring
those who were killed during the protests against the former regime.
Minister Dion is now heading to Rome to attend a ministerial meeting
of the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State
of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on February 2.
Quotes
“I am moved by the resilience and resolve of the Ukrainian people.
Canada stands firmly with Ukraine and will continue to support the
country’s enduring right to sovereignty, freedom and democracy.”– Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- Canada provides multi-faceted support to Ukraine, including
low-interest loans for economic stabilization, as well as development
assistance projects to promote sustainable economic growth and to
advance democracy, human rights, the rule of law and support to civil
society. - This assistance also includes a project and deployments of Canadian
police to support Ukraine’s patrol police reform, including cadet
training, in-service training, leadership training, public outreach and
engagement, and new uniforms. Canadian police are also providing
strategic guidance to Ukrainian security institutions. - The Maidan carries particular historical significance in the hearts
and minds of Ukrainians. It was the site of the 2004 Orange Revolution
and of the 2013-2014 protests during which many protestors were killed.
They became known as the “Heavenly Hundred.” - Canada has taken a firm response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine,
such as by imposing sanctions against 270 Russian and Ukrainian
individuals and entities.