Carney Heads to Armenia for European Political Summit

Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Armenia for the European Political Community Summit, marking the first time Canada is taking part in the gathering.

The biannual summit brings together 48 countries, including the 27 European Union member states and 20 non-EU European countries. This year, EU Council President António Costa and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan jointly extended an invitation to Canada.

Canada’s attendance at the event marks the first time a non-European country has participated and the first official visit to Armenia by a Canadian prime minister in nearly a decade.

At the summit, Carney is expected to meet European leaders to reinforce security and defence cooperation and continue support for Ukraine, while also promoting Canada as a destination for investment in critical minerals, energy, defence, and advanced technologies, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The trip comes as Ottawa seeks to deepen its engagement with Europe as part of diversifying away from the United States.

The European Council says the summit is designed to foster political dialogue and cooperation on shared challenges, while strengthening the security, stability, and prosperity of the continent. The summit was launched in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who is accompanying Carney to Armenia, marked the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide ahead of the trip.

“Last night, Members of Parliament from all parties came together to mark the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,” she wrote in an April 29 social media post. “We honoured the 1.5 million lives lost and paid tribute to the enduring strength of their descendants. Together, we renew our solemn commitment to always remember.”