Status: 22/09/2023, 04:42 a.m.
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Volodymyr Zelensky continues to travel to Canada after his visit to the United States. © Stephanie Scarbrough/AP
The Ukrainian President will be received by Prime Minister Trudeau in the Canadian capital Ottawa. The programme also includes a speech to Parliament and a visit to Toronto.
Ottawa - After his visit to the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues his trip abroad with a stopover in neighboring Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will receive him in the capital Ottawa, the Canadian government surprisingly announced on Thursday evening. During the planned stay in the NATO country, a speech by Zelenkyj in front of parliament is also planned. After that, the Ukrainian president will travel on to Toronto, where he will meet with Canadian business leaders.
Zelensky travels accompanied by his wife
According to media reports, it is Zelenskyy's first visit to Canada since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It was initially unclear when exactly Zelensky would arrive in Ottawa.
As on his trip to the USA, he will also be accompanied by his wife in Canada, according to information from Ottawa. The reception of the guest from Kiev is intended to reaffirm Ukraine's continued support in the defensive war against neighboring Russia, Trudeau's office said.
Trudeau: "Canada supports the Ukrainian people"
Canada says it has provided Ukraine with more than 8.9 billion Canadian dollars (6.2 billion euros) since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression, about a fifth of which is military aid. Among other things, Leopard 2 tanks were delivered.
"Canada continues to fully support the Ukrainian people in their struggle for their sovereignty and democracy, as well as our shared values such as respect for the rule of law, freedom and self-determination," Trudeau said. He said he was pleased to welcome Zelensky to Canada.
Before his trip to Canada, Zelensky had taken part in the UN general debate in New York this week and was then received by US President Joe Biden at the White House. He also met several cabinet members in Washington, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, as well as members of Congress. Dpa