Ottawa – As Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine nears the end of its second year, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, travelled 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 visit in Warsaw, Poland, Minister Joly will meet with Polish Foreign Affairs Minister Radosław Sikorski, and Marshal of the Sejm and co-leader of Third Way coalition Szymon Hołownia, 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 the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies, the Ukrainian House Foundation, and the Educational and Development Centre, who all support Ukrainian refugees in Poland. While in Warsaw, the Minister will also meet staff at Canada’s mission to Poland.
“Under the threat of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the people of Moldova shine bright in their determination to decide their own future. I look forward to meeting with Moldovan leadership to discuss how Canada can continue to support their peace and security. In Poland, I look forward to meeting my new Polish counterpart and build upon Canada and Poland’s deep friendship, and work together to bolster peace and security along NATO’s eastern flank.” – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs