Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand will embark on a high-level diplomatic tour to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany from June 23 to 26, 2025, as part of Canada's efforts to strengthen its relationships with key international partners. The trip comes ahead of the Canada-European Union (EU) Summit and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit.
On June 23, Minister Anand will attend a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium, as well as senior EU officials in Brussels. The meeting will focus on strengthening collaboration between Canada and the EU at a time of significant global change and uncertainty.
The minister will then join Prime Minister Mark Carney for the Canada-EU Summit, where they will discuss opportunities to deepen their partnership and address shared challenges such as trade, security, and climate change.
From June 24 to 25, Minister Anand will meet with Allied counterparts in The Hague, Netherlands, to discuss Euro-Atlantic security, Canada's steadfast support for Ukraine, and ways to further deepen Canada's contribution to the NATO Alliance. She will also attend the NATO Summit with Prime Minister Carney.
The trip concludes on June 26 in Berlin, Germany, where Minister Anand will meet with her counterpart to explore ways to better address global challenges and promote economic growth.
Canada has long been a strong supporter of the EU and NATO, and this trip underscores its commitment to strengthening these partnerships. As a founding member of NATO, Canada sees the alliance as a cornerstone of its national security and defence policy, and is prioritizing its contributions to the Alliance's modernization and adaptability.
The Canadian government has also emphasized its commitment to expanding the Canada-EU free trade relationship, defending rules-based trade, and deepening cooperation on shared defence and security challenges. This trip provides an opportunity for Minister Anand to engage with her EU counterparts on these key issues.
Quick facts:
Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated Canada's commitment to working closely with the European Union to expand the Canada-EU free trade relationship.
Canada is a founding member of NATO, prioritizing its contributions to the Alliance's modernization and adaptability.
The Canadian government sees strengthening partnerships with EU and NATO as crucial for addressing global challenges and promoting economic growth.
Conclusion:
Minister Anand's diplomatic tour to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany highlights Canada's commitment to strengthening its relationships with key international partners. As the world grapples with uncertainty and change, Canada's efforts to deepen its partnerships with the EU and NATO demonstrate its dedication to addressing global challenges and promoting peace and security.