As Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine nears the end of its second year, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be travelling to the Republic of Moldova and Poland from January 29 to February 1, 2024, where she will meet with her counterparts and senior government officials to discuss shared priorities.
While in Chisinau, Moldova, Minister Joly will meet with senior Moldovan government officials, including President Maia Sandu, President of the Moldovan Parliament Igor Grosu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean and newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihail Popșoi.
During these meetings, Minister Joly will reaffirm Canada's support for Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for their fight to combat Russian efforts to undermine their democracy through the weaponization of disinformation. She will highlight Canada's work to hold those who support and aid in Russia's destabilizing activities accountable, including through the sanctioning of Moldovan oligarchs, individuals and TV stations who promote and disseminate Russia's disinformation. She will also discuss Canada's commitment to help Moldova with the humanitarian situation of Ukrainian refugees, as Co-Chair of the Related Working Group of the Platform of Support of Moldova. Together, the officials will explore how the two countries can enhance collaboration to ensure peace and security in Moldova, including in Transnistria, and how Canada's $2 million, 18-month project in Moldova with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is working to provide training, equipment and technical assistance to the National Police of Moldova.
During her stop in Warsaw, Poland, Minister Joly will meet with Polish Foreign Affairs Minister Radosław Sikorski, and Marshal of the Sejm and leader of Third Way Szymon Holownia, to discuss respective plans to continue supporting Ukraine, to promote human rights, to prevent regional security threats from Russia and Belarus, and to identify further opportunities to collaborate bilaterally and multilaterally. She will also meet with representatives of humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of Red Crescent, the Ukrainian House Foundation, and the Ukrainian Educational Hub, who all support Ukrainian refugees in Poland. While in Warsaw, the Minister will also meet staff at Canada's mission to Poland.
