Ukrainian Foreign Minister Visits Ottawa

Complied by John Pidkowich

From press releases, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk came to Ottawa for an official visit on May 7, 2007 and met with the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper; the Speaker of the House of Commons, Hon. Peter Milliken; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Peter MacKay; the Minister responsible for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Hon. Josée Verner; the Minister of International Trade, Hon. David Emerson; the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism, Hon. Jason Kenney; and the Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Stphane Dion.

Mr. Yatsenyuk encouraged Canada to send observers to monitor the upcoming Ukrainian parliamentary elections. When meeting with the Prime Minister, the discussions touched on the need for better trade between the two countries and the importance of bilateral state visits between Canada and Ukraine. Mr. Harper noted the important contribution made by the Ukrainian Canadian community towards the socio-economic development of Canada. Minister Yatsenyuk agreed, stating that Ukrainian Canadians could serve as examples of a civically-involved citizenry for Ukrainians not only in Ukraine but in all parts of the world.

In his talks with Minister MacKay, Minister Yatsenyuk discussed a range of issues including cooperation in international organizations, student and academic exchanges and Ukraine’s accession to the World Trade Organization. Canada agreed to make a contribution of $5 million to assist Ukraine to upgrade security systems at its airports and other border crossings to prevent the illegal export of nuclear materials. Mr. MacKay stated “To prevent nuclear terrorism … and address the legacy of risks left in countries of the former Soviet Union … the last opportunity to detect and deter the movement of these materials is often at its international borders.” This contribution is part of Canada’s commitment to the Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, launched by the G8 in 2002 under Canada’s leadership and addresses a number of non-proliferation, disarmament, counterterrorism and nuclear security issues. At CIDA, the ministers spoke about projects involving the reformation of Ukraine’s diplomatic service, reforming government administration, encouraging civic society while developing local self-government capacities and rural development.

Minister Yatsenyuk presented the Speaker of the House of Commons with a letter from Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko asking for support of Ukraine’s campaign to have the Holodomor Famine of 1932-33 in Ukraine recognized internationally as an act of genocide.