Per the government announcement, The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Mihai Popșoi, the Republic of Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the margins of the Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, held in Toronto on September 28 and 29, 2026. This meeting, as confirmed by a statement released by Global Affairs Canada today, occurred during the conference which brings together international stakeholders to address critical issues related to the return of Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war. The statement does not mention the specific topics discussed during the meeting beyond the general context of the conference.
Context
This meeting represents a continuation of Canada’s diplomatic engagement within the broader framework of the Pathways to Peace conference. The conference itself, co-hosted by Canada, Ukraine, and Norway, underscores ongoing international efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Ukraine. The statement does not mention any specific commitments or agreements resulting from the meeting. However, the fact that Minister Anand met with Popșoi—a key figure in the Moldovan government—demonstrates Canada’s continued prioritization of relationships within the region. The earlier statement from September 12, 2026, detailed Canada’s co-hosting of the conference with Ukraine and Norway, confirming the event’s planned dates and objectives. A subsequent meeting on September 28, 2026, with the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for International Cooperation and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ukraine, further highlights the breadth of Canada’s diplomatic activity surrounding the conference. This demonstrates an intent to maintain consistent engagement with key international partners.
What to Watch
Should the visit yield no immediate deliverables, Canada’s continued participation in the Pathways to Peace conference will likely remain a priority. The statement does not address whether this meeting represents a prelude to further discussions or a sustained diplomatic effort. Given the ongoing nature of the conference, it is possible that Minister Anand will continue to engage with other participating nations. The meeting with Popșoi, occurring on the margins of a larger event, suggests a focus on maintaining existing relationships and fostering collaboration within the context of the broader humanitarian crisis. The statement does not mention any planned follow-up actions or further meetings.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- Minister Anand meets with Honduras’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (28 Septemb)
- Canada, Ukraine and Norway to co-host international conference on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war (12 Septemb)
- Minister Anand meets with United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for International Cooperation and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Ukraine (28 Septemb)
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