Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan wrapped up a successful visit to Ukraine, Poland, and Germany today, where he met Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel deployed in the region as part of Operations UNIFIER and REASSURANCE and held bilateral meetings with his counterparts. During his visit, Minister Sajjan was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary John McKay. 

“Over the past few days, I have had the pleasure of meeting many Canadian soldiers and I am thoroughly impressed by their professionalism, determination, and motivation. The members deployed on Operations REASSURANCE and UNIFIER demonstrate daily the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to work with our Allies,' said Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan.

“I was pleased to meet with my counterparts in Ukraine, Poland, and Germany to discuss a number of issues important to the defence and security of Central and Eastern Europe. Canada continues to make important contributions in the region and we remain committed to working with our Allies and partners to demonstrate strength and solidarity in response to Europe’s complex security environment. Canada remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to maintain sovereignty, security, and stability,” he said.

In Ukraine, Minister Sajjan visited personnel deployed on Operation UNIFIER, the CAF’s contribution to support Ukrainian forces through military training and capacity building. The Minister also met with Minister of Defence Stepan Poltorak in Starychi where he underscored Canada’s support in helping Ukraine maintain its sovereignty, security, and stability.

While in Poland, Minister Sajjan met with CAF members deployed as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) assurance measures. The Minister also travelled to Warsaw and met with Poland’s Minister of National Defence Antoni Macierewicz. They discussed a number of security challenges facing Central and Eastern Europe, and explored opportunities to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Canada and Poland.

The Minister concluded his trip in Berlin, where he met with Germany’s Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen. The two Allies discussed a number of issues of mutual interest, including the refugee crisis and the ongoing security situation in Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East.