On 2 June 2022, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, took part in political consultations between the Baltic States and Canada in Quebec, Canada. The participants discussed the security situation in the region, the importance of the decisions of the upcoming Madrid Summit in the strengthening of the Alliance’s defence, as well as the adopted and potential measures in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The officials thanked Canada for its significant and unwavering support for the strengthening of security in the Baltic region.
The partners noted that Russia’s behaviour had considerably changed the situation in the Euro-Atlantic space. Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica underlined that “Russia is an aggressor, which continues to commit atrocities and destroy Ukrainian cities and civil infrastructure while blocking grain exports and thereby threatening millions worldwide with food crises”. The officials made a commitment to working together to continue helping Ukraine and seeking solutions to disruptions caused by Russia in food supplies.
During the consultations, the diplomats exchanged views on cooperation in the areas of energy security, media freedom, and the fight against disinformation. The partners were in agreement about the need for strengthening the resilience of democratic societies to an external impact.
The Baltic and Canadian officials noted the excellent political and practical cooperation between their countries as well as expressing their commitment to its increased strengthening.
The further programme of the visit will include a tour of a military base, a bilateral meeting, and participation in a business forum.