- Reset +

Estonian Head of State met with the Foreign Minister of Canada

28.04.2014

Russia has attacked the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and now it is the duty of democratic countries to give a powerful, accurate and uniform response, stated the President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, John Baird, at their meeting today in Tallinn.

"Sanctions that upset the current security architecture of Europe must be effective," President Ilves emphasised. "The role of a bystander equals abandoning our common values for short-lived economic interests or mere indifference."

He acknowledged Canada's unambiguous and visible policy for both imposing sanctions to control Russia's activities and to enhance NATO's deterrence. For example, Ottawa announced in the middle of April that it would place six CF-18 fighter planes at NATO's disposal for additional security in Central and Eastern Europe.

President Ilves and Foreign Minister Baird described the status of Estonian-Canadian bilateral relationships and mutual understanding as very good.

"Estonia and Canada assess the changes in the security situation in Europe similarly and are both firm in their commitment to protect the principles that provide the foundation for our trans-Atlantic co-operation," President Ilves said.

The Estonian Head of State and Canadian Foreign Minister discussed the economic and political support of democratic countries for Ukraine in order to help the government in overcoming the crisis that has resulted from the change of government, a crisis that is currently being heightened due to the activities of Russia.

Office of the President
Public Relations Department
Phone +372 631 6229