Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly arrives in Kyiv, holds discussions with counterpart Kuleba

The press service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported the information.

At the beginning of the conference, Kuleba said that relations with Canada are already so close that negotiations between the two countries are held without formalities and protocols. He thanked his Canadian counterpart for her visit and support for Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.

According to him, they discussed politics, economy, amendments to the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Canada, frozen Russian assets and their use for the benefit of Ukraine, new sanctions against the aggressor and the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, where Canada co-chairs the 4th point - the release of prisoners and deportees.

"I would like to emphasize the special role that Mélanie and Canada play in the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The personal commitment of Joly and Canada in this matter is a vivid example of leadership in the protection of human rights," emphasized Kuleba.

He also added that the mechanism proposed by Canada to resolve the above issue is effective, and Ukraine expects that other countries will actively participate in the efforts to return Ukrainian children.

Kuleba noted that the parties continue to work on strengthening air defense systems and other weapons that Canada can help with.

At the beginning of her speech, Joly recalled the assistance provided to Ukraine by Canada since the beginning of the large-scale war and assured of unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. The head of Canada's diplomatic mission emphasized that Canada will continue to help Ukraine in all its urgent issues. 

She noted that even after the end of the war, Ukraine will remain close to a dangerous neighbor like Russia.

According to Mrs. Joly, one of the important issues that is constantly being discussed in the context of assistance to Ukraine is the return of deported children.

She emphasized that on February 2, Canada and Ukraine will launch a coalition to return Ukrainian children, and the Canadian side will also talk about this issue with other countries, including Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and Qatar.

"And from there, we will in some way inform who these children are. We will persuade states to unite on this issue and work with those states that have direct relations with Russia to help ensure that children return home. Every child who returns home is a victory," said Joly.

• Canada will provide Ukraine with ten multi-purpose boats manufactured by Zodiac Hurricane Technologies and spare parts, as well as train Ukrainians to use such boats.