Marin, Trudeau discuss Russia´s attack on Ukraine

Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Wednesday met with her Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau in Brussels and discussed various issues including Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

“Today, I met Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau in Brussels. We discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the sanctions imposed on Russia, extensive assistance to Ukraine, the development of European security and defence cooperation, and cooperation between Finland and NATO,” Marin wrote in her Facebook page in Finnish after the meeting late Wednesday night.

The Prime Ministers agreed on continued support for Ukraine’s defence and sanctions to counter Russia’s war efforts.

“Prime Minister Sanna Marin meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Brussels. Mutual understanding on continued support for Ukraine’s defence and sanctions to counter Russia’s war efforts. Also united on climate policy, women’s rights,” wrote Jari Luoto, Ambassador, State Under-Secretary for European Affairs, Prime Minister’s Cabinet, Finland in his twitter post after the meeting.

“The coordination of countermeasures is very important. The sanctions imposed by the West on Russia have been tough and effective. We must continue to respond to Russia’s actions swiftly, firmly and in close cooperation,” Marin said.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has decisively altered the security situation and environment in Europe. NATO has boosted its presence in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States as part of its work to strengthen deterrence and collective defence, said a government press release.

Canada is a key NATO country that is strongly committed to ensuring the security of Europe and the Baltic Sea region through NATO. Canada leads NATO’s Enhanced Foreign Presence battle group in Latvia. Along with other NATO members, Canada has expressed its strong support for NATO’s open doors policy.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and Canada. The countries are united by their northern location, parliamentary democracy, bilingualism and strong commitment to human rights and equality. Trade between Finland and Canada is developing favourably.

Marin is now visiting Brussels to attend the European Council meeting scheduled to be held on Thursday and Friday while Trudeau arrived in Brussels for the G7 and NATO summits, according to a government press release issued on Wednesday.

Topics on the agenda at the European Council will be Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, security and defence, energy, economic issues, COVID-19, external relations and the appointment of the next President of the European Council.

In addition, the European Council will have a discussion with United States President Joe Biden, who is visiting Brussels.

Main will also attend the Euro Summit on Friday.

The Euro Summit, to be held in inclusive format, will discuss the economic situation and review progress on the banking union and capital markets union, the government press release added.