March 27, 2015 – Toronto, Ontario – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with Oleksiy Pavlenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Member of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Canada announced the official signing of the disbursement of Canada’s second $200-million low-interest loan to Ukraine, bringing the total value of Canada’s loan agreement with Ukraine to $400 million since the beginning of the Putin regime’s aggression against Ukraine and occupation of Crimea. The loan will help stabilize Ukraine’s economy and support programming consistent with Canadian development priorities.
Minister Nicholson meets Ukraine’s Minister Pavlenko to discuss economic stabilization
Canada and Ukraine have a strong and historical relationship, and Canada is committed to working closely with the Government of Ukraine to build a united, democratic and prosperous Ukraine. The loan disbursement announced today is one of several measures taken by the Government of Canada to support Ukraine in its efforts to restore economic and social stability. Since January 2014, Canada has announced more than $575 million in assistance to Ukraine, including non-lethal military equipment given to the Ukrainian government to address a number of critical needs on the ground. Canada has also imposed a broad range of sanctions against more than 270 Russian and Ukrainian individuals and entities and is participating in the NATO reassurance efforts in Eastern Europe.
Quick Facts
Canada’s initial $200-million low-interest loan was disbursed to Ukraine in September 2014.
These two loans will help the Government of Ukraine to stabilize its economy and promote social development.
The terms of the loan include a provision enabling Canada to perform an audit of funds used during the course of the agreement, as well as an obligation for Ukraine to provide regular reports detailing the funds’ use.
Funds are in the process of being disbursed and will be transferred to Ukraine by March 31, 2015. The loan was conditional on establishing a broad package of international support for Ukraine, including a US$17.5-billion extended fund facility from the International Monetary Fund, which was approved on March 11, 2015.
In 2014, Ukraine was reconfirmed as a country of focus for Canada’s international development efforts.
Quotes
“Since the onset of the crisis, Canada has stood proudly and firmly in its support for Ukraine in the face of the Putin regime’s unacceptable and persistent military aggression. We stand resolutely alongside the people of Ukraine as they courageously seek peace and freedom, and we stand with our allies in calling for Russia to stand by its Minsk commitments. The measures announced today will contribute to Ukraine’s efforts to stabilize its economy, promote social stability and drive economic prosperity.”
– Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
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Associated Links
Ukraine (Canada’s bilateral development assistance program)
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