Canada and Luxembourg have committed to strengthening their defence collaboration during a historic visit by a Canadian official to Luxembourg, marking over 80 years of diplomatic ties. Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty met with his Luxembourg counterpart, Yuriko Backes, to discuss bolstering defence investments and enhancing cooperation with dependable international allies amidst increasing global security issues.
Minister McGuinty expressed Canada’s ambition to broaden its defence partnerships with nations sharing similar values while continuing its enduring alliance with the United States. He pointed out potential areas of collaboration, particularly in military equipment production and the defence industry, indicating a strategic interest in fostering closer ties with like-minded countries.
The discussions between McGuinty and Backes also touched on current global conflicts, notably the ongoing war in Ukraine, which underscores the urgency for enhanced security measures. Minister Backes emphasized the necessity for Europe to boost its own defence capabilities after a prolonged period of reliance on external defence support, highlighting the shifting dynamics in global security.
Canada has successfully achieved NATO’s defence spending benchmark of 2% of GDP, setting an example for other alliance members who are working towards increasing their defence budgets in the years ahead. Both nations underscored the importance of addressing new-age threats, such as cyberattacks and regional instability, as part of their commitment to maintaining global peace and security.