Ottawa/IBNS-CMEDIA: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Ireland, highlighting closer defence, trade and economic-security ties between Canada and the European Union.
The two discussed foreign policy and security challenges and reaffirmed Canada and the EU as close partners in promoting international peace and security.
They welcomed progress since the Canada-EU Summit in June 2025, including the implementation of a Security and Defence Partnership, closer defence-industrial cooperation through the EU’s Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, a financial instrument, and negotiations on a digital trade agreement.
The ministers also discussed cooperation on critical minerals and economic security and the need for greater coordination among democratic countries to strengthen resilience across the Atlantic.
Canada and the EU reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. They also discussed international law, multilateral cooperation and regional and global security issues.
Anand separately met Ireland’s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee during the Gymnich meeting. Their discussions covered trade and investment, clean energy, strategic technologies, reliable supply chains and maritime security.
Anand said on X that her participation marked a new phase in Canada’s engagement with Europe, noting that she was the first Canadian foreign minister to attend a Gymnich meeting.
“Russia is counting on time to weaken our resolve,” Anand said, adding that decisions made now would shape Ukraine’s future and the security balance in Europe.
Canada is scheduled to host the next Canada-EU Summit on Oct. 29-30, where the two sides are expected to advance their broader transatlantic partnership.
Anand and Kallas agreed to remain in close contact ahead of the summit as Canada and the EU continue to deepen their strategic relationship.
(Reporting by Suman Das)
