Ahead of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Canada, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand discussed steps to advance the two countries' shared agenda. The meeting focused on the peace process, the use of frozen Russian assets and the safety of maritime shipping in the Black Sea.
The ministers assessed possible steps to implement the agreements reached between the leaders of Ukraine and Canada, achieve tangible results and make progress on the bilateral agenda.
International coordination for peace
Sybiha and Anand said joint diplomatic efforts should continue with the aim of achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace. The ministers discussed maintaining unity among partners and expanding cooperation with countries in different regions.
Europe's role in the peace process was also among the topics discussed at the meeting. The sides focused on coordinating efforts to sustain diplomatic initiatives and increase international support.
Use of frozen Russian assets
Andrii Sybiha said pressure on Russia should be increased. The Ukrainian foreign minister called for progress on efforts to use frozen Russian assets to meet Ukraine's financial needs.
Sybiha also raised Ukraine's initiative to deny visas to Russian soldiers who took part in the fighting and restrict their entry into the country. He said those who participated in the war between Russia and Ukraine should not have unlimited access to the opportunities of the democratic world.
Security agenda for the Black Sea corridor
Options concerning the situation in the Black Sea and the safe operation of Ukraine's maritime corridor were assessed. The meeting focused on steps that could help restore freedom of maritime shipping.
The sides also coordinated preparations for the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. They discussed how the platform could be used to expand international cooperation on food security.
Agenda for the Toronto conference
The meeting also addressed preparations for the ministerial conference to be held in Toronto on September 28-29. Canada, Ukraine and Norway will co-host the meeting.
The conference will address the return, rehabilitation and reintegration into society of children deported from Ukraine. Detained civilians and prisoners of war will also be on the meeting's agenda.
Ukraine and Canada aim to secure broad international participation in the conference and achieve tangible results on these issues.
