Prime Minister Stephen Harper Concludes Visit to Ukraine

March 22, 2014 (Kyiv) Prime Minister’s Office--Prime Minister Stephen Harper today concluded a successful visit to Ukraine where he met with Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and reaffirmed Canada’s strong support for the new Government of Ukraine as it undertakes the important steps of embracing the economic and democratic reforms needed to restore stability and prosperity in the country. The Prime Minister also condemned Russia’s illegal military occupation of Ukraine and reiterated the call for immediate de-escalation by Russia.

During his visit, the Prime Minister also announced Canada’s contribution to a political and security monitoring mission to Ukraine, led by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Canada’s support to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, through Canada’s Global Peace and Security Fund, will assist the OSCE to report on the security situation in Ukraine, foster peace and stability, encourage respect for human rights, and enable an environment for inclusive political dialogue in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Harper wrapped up his day in Ukraine with a visit to Independence Square, where he laid a wreath as a symbol of Canada’s respect for those who died while standing up for democratic change.

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper lays flowers at a memorial in Kyiv as a symbol of Canada’s respect for those who died while standing up for democratic change in Ukraine