Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met today with the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, during the NATO Summit in Brussels, Belgium.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s steadfast support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a successful political-military alliance. He expressed gratitude for the special bond between both countries, and President Levits thanked Canada for its leadership of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia, which is comprised of up to 540 Canadian Armed Forces members on a total mission size of 1,512 troops. They both acknowledged that this was a true testament to NATO members working together and treating each other as family.
The two leaders discussed the need for a coordinated and strong approach to Russia, including with regard to cyber. They also spoke about the situation in Ukraine, and the importance of holding Russia accountable for its destabilizing and illegitimate occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine. They also discussed the situation in Belarus.
The leaders spoke about relations with China. President Levits expressed support for Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, and the two leaders agreed on the need for China to end the two Canadians’ arbitrary detention.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Levits also discussed their respective approaches to tackling climate change.
The two leaders observed positively the expanding diplomatic and economic relations between countries, underlined the 30th anniversary of reestablished Canada-Latvia relations, and agreed to work together towards a better and safer future for everyone, starting with a strong and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
SOURCE Office of the Prime Minister of Canada
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