Minister of Defence signs Canada-Ukraine Defence Cooperation Arrangement

To reaffirm Canada’s commitment to Ukraine, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Ukranian Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak signed the Canada-Ukraine Defence Cooperation Arrangement on Monday, April 3.

“Today’s signing of the Defence Cooperation Arrangement shows Canada’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. It strengthens the ties between our two nations and helps us continue to develop our rich, mutually beneficial relationships. Canada remains fully committed to providing assistance to Ukraine, helping to preserve and protect its sovereignty through Operation UNIFIER, and to supporting the implementation of key reforms,” said Minister Sajjan.

The arrangement identifies mutual areas of cooperation between the two countries such as defence policy, defence research, development and production, and military education. The document will provide a framework for cooperation on defence related issues and reaffirms Canada’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, security, and stability.

In the coming days, Defence Minister Poltorak will meet Members of Parliament and Senators, and tour Canadian Armed Forces facilities such as Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

Canada demonstrated its commitment to Ukraine last month when announcing its decision to renew Operation UNIFIER until March 2019. Through Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces have trained more than 3,200 Ukranian Armed Forces members.

Additionally, Canada has provided a wide range of other supports to this Eastern European country, totalling in more than $700 million since January 2014.