Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand discussed the two countries' shared agenda ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Canada. The meeting focused on advancing the peace process, using frozen Russian assets and ensuring the security of maritime shipping in the Black Sea.
The sides assessed steps that could be taken to implement the agreements reached between the leaders of Ukraine and Canada. The discussion focused on achieving tangible results and making progress on the bilateral agenda.
The peace process and Europe's role
Sybiha and Anand exchanged views on how joint diplomatic efforts could be advanced. The ministers said unity among partners must be preserved to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace, and discussed expanding cooperation with countries in different regions.
Europe's role in the peace process was also assessed. The sides emphasized maintaining diplomatic initiatives and increasing international support.
Frozen Russian assets on the agenda
Sybiha said pressure on Russia needed to be increased. The Ukrainian foreign minister stressed that progress should be made toward using frozen Russian assets to meet Ukraine's financial needs.
Sybiha also raised Ukraine's initiative to restrict the issuance of visas to Russian soldiers who took part in the conflict and limit their entry into countries. He said those who participated in the war between Russia and Ukraine should not be allowed unlimited access to the opportunities of the democratic world.
Maritime shipping security in the Black Sea
The ministers discussed the situation in the Black Sea and the safe operation of Ukraine's maritime corridor. They considered options that could help restore freedom of maritime shipping.
The sides also coordinated preparations for the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly to be held in New York. They assessed how the platform could be used to expand international cooperation on food security.
Preparations for the Toronto conference
At the end of the meeting, the ministers discussed preparations for the conference to be held in Toronto on September 28-29. Canada, Ukraine and Norway will jointly organize the meeting.
The conference's main agenda will include the return, rehabilitation and reintegration of children deported from Ukraine, as well as detained civilians and prisoners of war. Ukraine and Canada aim to ensure broad international participation in the meeting and achieve tangible results on these issues.
