Joint statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada and the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria – Canada.ca

From: Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, welcomed Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, to Ottawa on November 6, 2026.
November 6, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, welcomed Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, to Ottawa on November 6, 2026.
In a period of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, the Ministers reaffirmed the close and growing partnership between Canada and Austria and underscored the importance of cooperation among like-minded partners to support international peace and security, strengthen economic resilience, and uphold international law.
The Ministers welcomed the high-level political dialogue held in Ottawa last month and noted its contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation on foreign policy, multilateral cooperation, economic and trade exchange.
The Ministers also welcomed the inaugural Canada-Austria Political-Military Dialogue, held at the senior official level in Vienna this week, and noted its contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation on security and defence issues. 
As Canada and Austria prepare to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, the Ministers welcomed the strong people-to-people ties, which continue to enrich the relationship between the two countries.
The Ministers welcomed the strong foundation of bilateral trade and investment and expressed their determination to deepen cooperation in areas of growing strategic importance.
They committed to advancing collaboration in critical minerals, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, science, technology and innovation, recognizing the complementary strengths of Canadian and Austrian industries and research institutions. They also looked forward to the launch of exploratory discussions in Vienna next week on a bilateral MoU on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
They welcomed ongoing discussions between Canadian and Austrian companies and institutions and encouraged officials to identify opportunities to strengthen resilient transatlantic supply chains.
The Ministers welcomed efforts underway toward enhanced bilateral cooperation in research and innovation and tasked officials to continue exploring mechanisms to support greater collaboration between Canadian and Austrian researchers, innovators, and technology firms in particular with regard to sustainability.
Minister Meinl-Reisinger welcomed the outcomes of the recent Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit and reaffirmed Austria’s support for a deeper and more ambitious Canada-EU partnership, creating an ever closer association between the EU and Canada.
The Ministers highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Canada and the European Union on economic security, defence industrial cooperation, innovation, clean technology, critical minerals, emerging technologies, and democratic resilience.
They reaffirmed their support for the full implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and acknowledged its contribution to expanding trade and investment opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic over the past 10 years.
Minister Anand congratulated Austria on its election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to effective multilateralism and agreed to deepen Canada-Austria cooperation during Austria’s Security Council tenure. They instructed officials to identify practical opportunities for collaboration on shared priorities, including the protection of civilians in armed conflict, Women, Peace and Security, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and the promotion of international humanitarian and human rights law.
The Ministers also expressed interest in exploring opportunities for joint initiatives and events at the United Nations in New York during Austria’s Security Council term.
The Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
They condemned Russia’s recent attacks affecting civilian infrastructure and humanitarian facilities in Ukraine and the broader pattern of illegal and unjustifiable conduct associated with Russia’s aggression, and reiterated their commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace consistent with the UN Charter and international law.
The Ministers agreed to strengthen Canada-Austria cooperation in support of Ukraine, particularly on recovery and reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, energy security and resilience, the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported by Russia, the release of unlawfully detained civilians and prisoners of war, and assistance for veterans and their families. They underscored the importance of accountability for war crimes and violations of international law.
The Ministers reaffirmed their shared interest in a stable, secure, democratic, and prosperous Western Balkans.
They emphasized the importance of advancing reforms, strengthening democratic institutions, combating corruption, supporting good neighbourly relations and regional reconciliation. The Ministers underlined that a pathway toward European integration remains essential for long-term regional stability and prosperity.
They agreed to continue coordinating closely on developments across the Western Balkans.
Recognizing the growing importance of the bilateral relationship, the Ministers agreed to maintain regular political dialogue and close coordination to advance shared priorities, including economic security, sustainability, innovation, support for Ukraine, multilateral cooperation, human rights, and international peace and security, including through the Women Foreign Ministers’ Network.
 
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