NEWS RELEASES
April 28, 2006 (4:35 p.m. EDT)
No. 46
MINISTER MACKAY CONCLUDES CONSTRUCTIVE NATO MEETINGS
IN BULGARIA
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay today expressed his satisfaction with the
outcome of the informal NATO foreign ministers meetings in Sofia, Bulgaria, over the
last two days. Ministers discussed a wide range of security issues.
“I emphasized Canada’s long-term commitment to comprehensive stabilization efforts in
Afghanistan,” said Minister MacKay.
During the discussions on the importance of building stability in Iraq, Minister MacKay
announced that Canada will provide $1.5 million over two years to the NATO trust fund
for training Iraqi security forces.
“While Canada does not have combat troops in Iraq, we strongly support NATO’s role
in helping to train Iraqi security forces. Our contribution will help cover the cost of such
training,” said Minister MacKay.
On Darfur, Canada underscored its support for the logistical support and training
assistance that NATO is providing to the African Union.
The ministers also reviewed preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Riga,
Latvia, this November.
Informal meetings of foreign ministers of NATO member countries allow ministers the
opportunity to freely discuss key issues on NATO’s agenda without the expectation that
formal decisions will be made.
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