The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Anniken Huitfeldt, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, today issued the following joint statement:
"Today, Canada and Norway reaffirm our excellent relations, which are anchored by our common values and commitment to the rule of law and the rules-based international order. We are like-minded partners dedicated to effective multilateralism that promotes gender equality, protects human rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples and minorities, and safeguards democratic principles.
"Over one year into Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we reconfirm our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people, including its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We reiterate our support today and over the long term, including support of Ukraine's economic recovery and reconstruction. Russia's aggression against Ukraine is an egregious attack on democracy and a violation of international law. Our countries are advancing accountability for crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, including against women and children, and will support efforts, including through our shared membership in the Group of Friends on Accountability Following the Aggression Against Ukraine. We support the International Criminal Court in its investigative work in Ukraine.
"Canada and Norway are transatlantic partners committed to advancing our collective security and international peace and stability. We agree to deepen our cooperation in this area. As close friends and partners of Finland and Sweden, we fully support their timely accession to and integration into NATO. Their membership will make the Alliance stronger. Canada welcomes Norway's commitment to become a sponsoring nation of the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence that is being established in Montreal.
"Canada and Norway commit to cooperating to advance and safeguard democracy through multilateral forums, through support for civil society and inclusive democratic processes, and through collective efforts to counter the growing threat of disinformation. We will continue to support the valuable work of the Community of Democracies, Media Freedom Coalition, International IDEA (Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) and the Freedom Online Coalition. We will seek to advance democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, gender equality, Indigenous rights and digital inclusion through these and other fora.
"The Arctic and High North region is a priority focus for both Canada and Norway, and an area of rich historical and cultural ties between our countries. This shared priority creates opportunity to increase cooperation, including on culture, natural resources and sustainable development through trade and infrastructure. As two of the founding members of the Arctic Council and as Arctic nations, we will continue to promote cooperation in the Arctic region. We are jointly committed to a peaceful and stable Arctic and pursuing sustainable economic and social development with and for northerners, including Indigenous Peoples. Canada commits its full support to Norway in its upcoming role as Chair of the Arctic Council.
"As progressive energy producers, we have an additional responsibility to continue support for global energy security and to take urgent action to address climate change and mitigate its impacts. We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, to promoting research collaboration and to increasing trade and investment in clean technologies and renewables that help enable a green and just transition.
"Recent global events underscore the need to invest in partnerships with close and trusted partners. We welcome the opportunity to increase and expand the cooperation between Canada and Norway in the years to come."
