Canada and Norway discuss security challenges

Canada's Defence Minister Anita Anand spoke with the Defence Minister of Norway, Bjørn Arild Gram, via telephone on 21 April 2022 for their first bilateral meeting.

In addition to highlighting the important defence relationship between Canada and Norway, the two ministers strongly condemned Russia’s ongoing attack against Ukraine, and underscored that both countries will continue providing Ukraine with the comprehensive support it needs during this critical time.

They raised the importance of continued coordination and unity between North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies in responding to the impacts of Russia’s invasion on European security.

In other topics of mutual interest, Minister Anand emphasized Canada’s commitment to ensuring continued peace and stability in the Arctic. The ministers highlighted Canada and Norway’s long-standing partnership in the region and discussed the evolving security landscape. They agreed that, as like-minded Arctic nations and NATO Allies, Canada and Norway must closely cooperate to address emerging regional challenges.

The ministers also discussed the security challenges posed by climate change, and underscored the importance for their countries to work closely together to address these shared challenges, while mitigating environmental impacts. Minister Anand further highlighted Canada’s ongoing efforts to establish and host a NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence, emphasizing the opportunity this initiative provides to expand collaboration with Norway on climate and security issues.

–––