Canada has greeted Ukraine on the 27th anniversary of independence on August 24.
"On August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared itself an independent country. Later that year, Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine's independence. In the more than a quarter century that has passed since that day, Canada and Ukraine have built a strong and enduring relationship based on historic and people-to-people ties, and our commitment to advance democracy and the rule of law, as well as to protect the rules-based international order," Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland and Canada's Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan said in a joint statement on Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24.
"Canada supports Ukrainian defence and security forces through its contribution under Operation UNIFIER," the statement said. Canadian troops marched in the Independence Day parade in Kyiv on August 24 a symbol of close defence cooperation and friendship.
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"On this Ukrainian Independence Day, Canada reaffirms its support for Ukraine's people, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Canada is committed to strengthening its partnership with Ukraine over the long term," the statement said.
"As we mark Ukraine's Independence Day, we join the people of Ukraine and Canadians of Ukrainian descent – who have contributed significantly to shaping Canada and its identity as a diverse and inclusive society – in celebrating the country's history, traditions and culture," it said.
According to the statement, as a further sign of Canada's commitment to this relationship, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will travel to Ukraine next week.
The Canadian government is also looking forward to further supporting the government of Ukraine's reform agenda at the Ukraine Reform Conference that will be held in Canada next year.
