Readout of a meeting between Defence Minister Anita Anand and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

Today, Defence Minister Anita Anand met with U.S Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III on the margins of the NATO Defence Ministers Meeting in Brussels.

Minister Anand and Secretary Austin reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemned Russia’s illegal invasion.  They highlighted their continued commitment to supporting Ukraine with lethal aid, and via training missions such as Operation UNIFIER. 

The Minister and the Secretary agreed on the importance of bolstering NATO’s eastern flank to deter Russian aggression, and resolved to continue supporting those efforts.

Minister Anand also underlined the need for robust continental defence to reflect the heightened threat environment, and confirmed Canada’s intent to continue supporting priorities outlined by the Canada-U.S. Joint Statement on NORAD Modernization released in August 2021.                           

Both leaders noted the close defence relationship between their two countries, and agreed to remain in touch.