Photo: kmu.gov.ua

On Saturday, March 22, the Prime Minister of Ukraine Arsenii Yatseniuk met with Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper who is paying a visit to Ukraine.

Touching upon relations between Ukraine and Canada, Arsenii Yatseniuk noted that “on the one hand - we are too far from each other, but on the other – we are very close”.

He reminded that a huge Ukrainian Diaspora reside in Canada. “So, we are actually relatives,” the Head of Government addressed Stephen Harper.

“We do command your support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of my country. You were the first one who imposed sanctions, you were the first one who showed very strong support and acted boldly and wisely in providing Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence,” he said.

Arsenii Yatseniuk expressed belief successful bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Canadawould be prolonged.

In turn, Stephen Harper stressed that Canada is a devoted partner of Ukraine from the first days of independence of our country, as Ottawa had been the first among the western capitals to recognize our statehood. He assured that on conditions of the current extremely difficult challenges that arose in front of Ukrainian people, Canada was ready to maximally back the efforts made by Ukrainian Government in the direction of protection the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“You can always rely on solidarity and partnership of Canada. It is significant for the people ofCanada and we are staying in Ukraine today to show that,” Stephen Harper noted.

During the meeting the interlocutors discussed the ways of overcoming the consequences of the aggression towards Ukraine and tools of support by Canada.