Minister Fast is in Kyiv from July 9 to 12, joined by members of Parliament James Bezan, Ted Opitz and Mark Warawa, along with nine Canadian-Ukrainian community and business representatives who share the goal of greater trade and improved social and economic conditions in Ukraine.

During his mission, Minister Fast and Canada’s delegation is advancing Canada as a strategic and supportive partner for Ukraine in energy, mining, education, aerospace, agriculture and agri-food.

Minister Fast is meeting with his counterpart, Pavlo Sheremeta, who recently announced the creation of an economic advisory council headed by Oleh Havrylyshyn of the Munk Centre at the University of Toronto and Basil Kalymon of the Richard Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario.

Meetings are also taking place with Yury Prodan, Minister of Energy and Coal; Ihor Shvaika, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food; and Serhiy Kvit, Minister of Education and Science.

Canada has been steadfast in its support for the new Ukrainian government and in its opposition to Russian aggression in Ukraine. Ukraine has been identified as a priority country under Canada’s recently released Global Markets Action Plan as well as a development country of focus under Canada’s Aid Effectiveness Agenda.

http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/07/09a.aspx?lang=eng