Joint Statement on the Canada-Nordic-Baltic Eight meeting

Canada and the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) held their inaugural ministerial meeting, co-chaired by Canada’s and Estonia’s foreign ministers, to strengthen diplomatic and security ties. The group reaffirmed their dedication to the rules-based international order, international law, and the UN Charter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining borders without force. They highlighted the interconnected security of the Baltic Sea, North Atlantic, and Arctic regions, noting the need to address Russian threats to critical infrastructure and hybrid activities across these areas.

The ministers underscored unwavering support for Ukraine, committing to continued coordination to ensure effective and complementary assistance in response to its evolving needs. They reiterated calls for a full and immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the need to sustain international pressure on Russia to halt its aggression, particularly against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Canada welcomed the NB8’s participation in the upcoming Toronto conference on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war.

The meeting identified concrete opportunities to deepen cooperation in defence industrial collaboration, maritime security, critical infrastructure protection, and economic security. Ministers also discussed strengthening collective security and readiness, including efforts to counter hybrid threats and foreign information manipulation and interference. They agreed to maintain regular contact and meet frequently under Norway’s NB8 chairmanship to advance shared priorities.

The ministers welcomed Estonia’s plans to host the next Ukraine Recovery Conference in January 2027, reaffirming their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and long-term resilience. They emphasized restoring a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine while maintaining pressure on Russia to cease hostilities.