Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Transcript
It was wonderful to welcome you to Ottawa last spring, Jens and it’s great to see you again today. This is an important time for NATO and your leadership has been a real force for good. Before I go any further, I also wanna take a moment to remember one of Petawawa’s own, Bombardier Patrick Labrie who was killed last month. His brave service will not be forgotten and I know that all Canadians are thankful for his unwavering commitment to our country. We owe every member of our armed forces, past and present, a debt of gratitude because no matter where you serve, from the Canadians I met on the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali to the troops I talked to on the front lines of NATO’s presence in Latvia, you serve with professionalism, and dedication. In fact, earlier this month, when President Zelensky was here in Canada, we talked about the Canadians who are helping with the security force training in Ukraine. That work is critical and the president said thank you so much for this support.
Today, Secretary General Stoltenberg and I discussed NATO’s enduring importance and Canada’s commitment to this alliance and its values. After all, NATO was built on a very Canadian idea, that we are stronger together, standing shoulder to shoulder in defense of our common interests and in service of our citizens. And it’s not enough to stop at calling out acts of aggression. Those who threaten our security won’t stand down just because we ask politely. To protect peace and democracy and the rule of law, we need a strong, modern military. After a decade of neglect under the previous government, it was time to make sure our soldiers had the support they deserve and our military the tools it needs. That’s why our government increased Canada’s defense budget by more than 70%. Whether our soldiers are leading UN efforts to prevent and end conflict, or contributing to NATO’s work on women, peace and security, Canada now has not just the will but the capacity to make a positive difference. I know Brigadier General Carignan is here today and will be assuming command of NATO Mission Iraq for the next year. She joins an impressive team of Canadian women serving in senior NATO leadership positions. We have standing NATO maritime group commodore Josee Kurtz and Lieutenant General Christine Whitecross, head of the NATO Defense College. And of course, Clare Hutchinson, the NATO Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security.
When our NATO partners in Iraq needed someone to help the country transition to lasting peace and security, we were there. Canada took initial command of the NATO non-combat training mission and will continue to lead its efforts next year. At the NATO Summit last summer, I talked about how results speak for themselves. Our allies look to Canada because they can depend on us to stand up not just for our own citizens but for everyone who dreams of a brighter tomorrow. That is the promise of the maple leaf that our soldiers so proudly wear and it’s a promise that we will always defend.
Yes, my friend, please.
Thank you so much, Prime Minister Trudeau. My friend Justin, it’s really great to be back and thank you for your warm welcome. Many thanks for your strong leadership and commitment to NATO, to our Transatlantic Alliance. Under your leadership, Canada has stepped up its contributions to our NATO Alliance including with forces for NATO missions and operations and increased defense spending over the years reducing defense investments, defense spending is now going up. I’m particularly pleased to be with you at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. It is always an honor to meet with the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces who serve their country and the NATO Alliance so well. Since NATO’s founding 70 years ago, Canada has made essential contributions to national peace and security. And your membership has also strengthened your own security. NATO unites Canada with 28 friends and allies who represent half of the world’s military might and half of the world’s economic might. NATO also enable Canadian troops to work seamlessly with their peers, the finest armed forces in the world. We are safer when we stand together. And together we defend our shared values. Democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. In an uncertain world, we need strong multilateral institutions now more than ever. NATO is stronger with Canada and Canada is stronger in NATO. We just had an excellent discussion about current security challenges including NATO’s work to strength our deterrence and defense. Canada is leading by example. Your command of NATO’s multinational battle group in Latvia helps to keep the peace in Europe, deterring any possible aggression. When I visited the Canadian troops there, I was impressed by their commitment to preserving our collective security so far from home and I thank all those who have served in this vital mission. This sends a clear message. NATO allies never stand alone. Allies also stand together in support for Ukraine which continues to face Russia’s aggression. Canada is among Ukraine’s closest friends, providing much needed training and funding. NATO supports Ukraine in many ways including with training and exercises, enhanced presence in the Black Sea region and millions of dollars to improve command and control, cyber defense and medical reputation. So, Prime Minister Trudeau, we discussed the fight against terrorism. Training local forces is one of the best weapons we have in this fight. And Canada plays a key role by leading NATO’s training mission in Iraq helping to prevent the return of ISIS, an increased stability in the region. So, I welcome your recent announcement that Canada will continue to command our mission for a second year and also the fact that you are sending a female commander highlights the leadership you show on women, peace and security. We also discussed burden sharing which will be an important topic when NATO leaders meet in London in December and I want to commend Canada for investing more in defense. After years of decline, we are now in the fifth consecutive year of rising defense spending across Europe and Canada. And I encourage you to redouble your efforts. This is about fairness but more importantly, it is about our security in a more unpredictable world. Today I also commended the Prime Minister for Canada’s commitment to keeping gender equality high on the NATO agenda including with female commanders leading NATO deployments and through the work of Clare Hutchinson from Nova Scotia, my Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security. As we mark NATO’s 70th anniversary this year, Canada continues to prevent conflict and preserve peace as part of the most successful alliance in history. So, Prime Minister Trudeau, many thanks and thank you for your strong commitment to our alliance.
[Justin] Thank you, Jens.