Speaking about the very good state of bilateral relations, Minister Czaputowicz mentioned the recent visits of Canada’s Governor General to Poland. She visited Poland twice over the recent months, to participate in ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of World War II outbreak that were held in Warsaw and to attend the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the former German-Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz- Birkenau.

The ministers agreed that two factors are of critical importance for Polish-Canadian relations: political cooperation whose main common denominator are shared views on the future of transatlantic relations and international security, and the way forward for bilateral economic collaboration. In this context, the Polish foreign policy chief pointed to new promising areas of cooperation, such as the recently launched cooperation of companies operating in the space sector.

Minister Champagne said that Ottawa looked forward to Poland ratifying of the CETA free trade agreement with Canada. He also said that he hoped it would soon give a new impetus to bilateral trade and investments.   

The foreign ministers also praised Polish-Canadian bilateral military cooperation, which includes Canadian participation in NATO forces in Szczecin and Elbląg and joint service of Polish and Canadian troops as part of NATO’s forward military presence in Latvia. Warsaw and Ottawa remain very close NATO allies who jointly advocate the importance of consistently forging closer NATO-Ukraine relations. When speaking about security, the ministers stressed the need to prevent modern-day cyber and hybrid threats. They also discussed how to counter the threats posed by disinformation, referring to false narrative regarding the course of World War II that have occurred in public debate in recent months.  

Talks with the Canadian foreign policy chief offered an opportunity to hold an in-depth discussion on the situation in Ukraine. Minister Czaputowicz confirmed Poland’s steadfast position on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. -We need to support and encourage Ukrainian authorities to carry out far-reaching reforms with determination, as it is the best way to strengthen Ukraine. - he said.  He also assured that Poland is willing to intensify its cooperation with Canada in this regard.

The meeting also allowed the Polish foreign minister to inform his Canadian counterpart about the progress in the Warsaw Process that aims at bringing security to the Middle East. Minister Czaputowicz invited Minister Champagne to take part in a conference devoted to the freedom of religion and belief that is scheduled to take place in Warsaw in July.

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Press Office 

Photo: Gabriel Piętka / MSZ