Yesterday, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, in Prague, to reaffirm Canada and Czechia's strong partnership and exchange on geopolitical challenges.
During the meeting, the Ministers discussed ways to further support Ukraine and counter Russian aggression, including cooperating on reconstruction efforts, preventing the circumvention of sanctions, and implementing the recent European Union Council decision on the use of revenues from Russian assets. Minister Joly thanked Czechia for its defence cooperation and leadership on the ammunition initiative, which includes support from Canada for Ukraine. Minister Lipavský reiterated Czechia's support of the Interngational Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-led by Canada and Ukraine.
The Ministers discussed the NATO informal Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Prague, as well as the Leaders' Summit in July. They agreed that it would be important for NATO allies to confirm longer-term security arrangements for Ukraine, including through bilateral agreements, and the succession of NATO's Secretary-General.
Minister Joly shared perspectives on a range of global and security issues, including potential areas of cooperation on the Arctic, concerns over destabilizing activities in parts of the world, and the latest developments in the Middle East.
The Ministers exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific and approach to China, and expressed their openness to working together on areas of common interest in the region. Finally, Minister Joly invited Minister Lipavský to visit Canada when their schedules permit.
