The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C. M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of National Defence, will formally host Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence, Juozas Olekas, in Ottawa on January 19-20, 2015. The Ministers will have the opportunity to reaffirm Canada and Lithuania's strong bonds, and discuss a number of common defence and security concerns, including ongoing threats along the borders of the Baltic region and Eastern Europe.

Quick Facts

• Canada was one of the first allies to ratify Lithuania's accession to NATO in 2004.

• Between 1994 and 2009 Canada provided language, staff, and professional development training to approximately 450 Lithuanian military officers through the Department of National Defence’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP).  

Quotes

“As NATO allies, Canada and Lithuania share an unshakeable bond which is held strongly in place by our commitment to the principle of collective defence. I look forward to an open exchange of views with Minister Olekas on the many defence and security issues common to our two countries, as well as the opportunity to reaffirm Canada's strong commitment to the security and stability of Lithuania and the Baltic region.   

The Honourable Rob Nicholson
P.C., Q.C. M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of National Defence