Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the 23rd anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between Canada and the Baltic States:
“On August 26, 1991, Canada re-established diplomatic relations with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, after their declarations of independence from the Soviet Union.
“As a vigorous defender of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, Canada never recognized the Soviet Union’s occupation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and always supported their courageous struggle for freedom during more than 50 years of occupation and oppression.
“Since then, the three Baltic States have taken their rightful place among the community of free and autonomous nations and have accomplished a great deal, including becoming members of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Today, Canada and the three countries enjoy strong and positive political, economic, defence and cultural ties, rooted in the shared values of democracy and freedom.
“Recent events in Ukraine have shown the world that under the Putin regime, Russian expansionism and militarism are alive and well. Canada will continue to stand with its allies in supporting Ukraine and in applying pressure that will lead to further economic and diplomatic pressure on the Putin regime.
“This anniversary also offers an occasion to celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania ancestry, both past and present, to the fabric of our great country. Our Government is proud to be helping construct a monument in our Nation’s Capital that will honour the hundreds of millions of men, women and children – including from Baltic States – who have and continue to struggle against the tyranny of communism.
“The Government of Canada is proud to count Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania among our valued friends and allies. I look forward to continue strengthening our ties with these countries over the years to come.”
