Canada will commit over $4.3 million to strengthen defense and broader security sector reforms in Ukraine as part of Canada’s whole-of-government support to the country, Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne says.
That's according to a statement released by the Canadian foreign ministry.
The contribution complements Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s military training and capacity-building mission in Ukraine, and will be implemented in partnership with the Parliamentary Centre and Alinea International. These funds will support projects that integrate technical expertise, gender-based analysis and results-based management tools to enhance security sector institutions.
Canada's partnership with Alinea International will advance governance and democratic accountability of the security sector by helping reform initiatives undertaken within security sector institutions in Ukraine.
Today, I spoke with my counterpart from #Ukraine@DmytroKuleba to highlight the 10th rotation of Op UNIFIER and talk about the progress made.
— François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) 🇨🇦 (@FP_Champagne) October 1, 2020
To strengthen defence and broader security sector reforms, 🇨🇦’s announcing $4.3M to @Alinea_Ideas@parlcent. https://t.co/KbVREVnoaHpic.twitter.com/RGHGbgRFtn
Canada's contribution to the Parliamentary Centre will bolster the capacities of Ukrainian parliamentary committees to review and pass legislation required for security sector reform.
"Canada remains a steadfast partner of Ukraine in their sovereignty and territorial integrity," Champagne said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in turn noted that Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Thursday spoke over the phone with his Canadian counterpart, noting "exemplary interaction" between the two countries in the field of security.
Read alsoZelensky, Trudeau discuss visa facilitation between Ukraine, CanadaAlso, Kuleba thanked Champagne for the active participation of Canadian troops in Operation UNIFIER and Canada's important contribution to strengthening security of Ukraine in cooperation with the Ukrainian Army.
Canada support for Ukraine: Background
- Canada’s military training and capacity-building mission in Ukraine, Operation UNIFIER, launched in September 2015, is a key part of Canada's overall effort to support Ukraine's security, stability, and sovereignty.
- The Canadian Police Arrangement and Canada' Peace and Stabilization Operations Program support Ukraine's police reform efforts by building the capacity and effectiveness of Ukraine's police services. Canada will continue to support police reform in Ukraine, building on successes to date.
- On December 2, 1991, Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine's independence.
