Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is embarking on a significant diplomatic mission to Europe, starting today, with her itinerary extending until February 18, 2025. During her trip, she will be visiting France, Germany, and Belgium, engaging in various conferences and discussions focused on pressing international issues such as geopolitical conflicts and foreign interference. Additionally, she is set to participate in a roundtable discussion centered on Arctic security, highlighting Canada's commitment to addressing environmental and geopolitical challenges in the region.
Joly's journey will commence in Paris on Thursday, where she will join Canada’s newly-appointed Special Envoy for Syria, Omar Alghabra, at the Paris Conference on Syria. This pivotal conference aims to address the ongoing crisis in Syria and facilitate international cooperation in seeking solutions. While in Paris, Minister Joly is also scheduled to meet with Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to discuss strategic partnerships and cooperation between Canada and France on various global issues.
Following her engagements in France, Joly will travel to Munich, Germany, from February 14 to 16, to attend the prestigious Munich Security Conference. This conference is a crucial platform for global leaders and security experts to convene and deliberate on current security challenges facing the international community. During her time in Munich, Joly will participate in a roundtable discussion focused on Arctic security, further illustrating Canada's role in promoting stability and sustainable practices in the Arctic region. Additionally, she will join fellow G7 foreign ministers in discussions, as Canada assumes the presidency of the G7 this year.
After the Munich Security Conference, Joly will conclude her European tour in Brussels, Belgium, from February 16 to 18. In Brussels, she intends to meet with key officials from the European Union, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and NATO. These meetings are crucial as they provide an opportunity to strengthen Canada’s diplomatic ties with European partners and discuss collaborative efforts on defense, international security, and foreign policy initiatives.
This diplomatic journey underscores Canada’s active role in international affairs and its dedication to addressing complex global challenges through multilateral cooperation. By engaging with European leaders and participating in significant international conferences, Minister Joly aims to enhance Canada’s influence and foster collaboration on key issues such as security, diplomatic relations, and environmental sustainability.
