Canada PM Anand to attend EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Ireland

Ottawa: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will travel to Ireland to attend an informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers, marking the first time a Canadian foreign minister has participated in a Gymnich meeting.

IBNS • 1 Sept 2026, 03:00 am

Anand will attend the meeting in Wicklow from September 1 to 2, where ministers are expected to discuss geopolitical developments, including the Middle East and support for Ukraine, Global Affairs Canada said Monday.

The meeting will be co-hosted by Ireland’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Helen McEntee and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Anand’s participation is aimed at advancing the New Canada-EU Strategic Partnership of the Future and deepening cooperation on economic security, trade diversification, defence and security, according to Global Affairs Canada.

The minister will also discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine with European partners, focusing on military assistance, energy security, reconstruction and accountability.

While in Ireland, Anand is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with McEntee.

The visit will also help prepare for the Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for October 29-30 in Canada.

The EU is Canada’s second-largest trade and investment partner, with both sides having strengthened their security and defence cooperation through a partnership signed in 2025.