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October 10, 2018 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

Government of Canada Signs Defence Cooperation Arrangement with Mexico

News release

October 9, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Canada and Mexico share a common interest in addressing issues of mutual concern, in order to advance our respective nations' security and prosperity. Both countries are committed to establishing stronger defence ties and enhancing hemispheric relations. Canada's support to the Americas is multifaceted, helping contribute to the safety and stability of the region, while adhering to and exemplifying the values of Canadians.

Highlighting those mutually shared priorities, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan today signed the Canada-Mexico Defence Cooperation Arrangement with General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, Secretary of National Defense and Admiral Vidal Francisco Sob‎erón Sanz, Secretary of the Navy.

The signing of a bilateral Canada-Mexico Defence Cooperation Arrangement is an important step forward in the evolving Canada-Mexico relationship. This Defence Cooperation Arrangement will provide a mechanism to further collaborate in a number of key areas, including defence education, training, and capacity building; defence materiel; peace support operations; and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Quotes

"Canada and Mexico enjoy a close partnership, including strong defence ties. Canada welcomes the signing of this Defence Cooperation Arrangement with our friend and hemispheric partner, Mexico, on the margins of a successful Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas. ‎We look forward to continuing to work with Mexico to advance our shared defence priorities."

Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

Quick facts

  • The Canada-Mexico Defence Cooperation Arrangement was signed on the margins of the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas held in Mexico from October 7 to October 10, 2018.

  • Both Canada and Mexico's commitment to establishing stronger defence ties has resulted in measured progress in defence engagement over the last few years including high-level visits, strategic and operational dialogue, and training opportunities.

  • Mexico has been a member of the Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) since 2004. For 2018/19, 73 MTCP course allocations to Mexico are planned, subject to in-year change, including senior staff positions on the prestigious National Security Program, Joint Command and Staff Program, and Army Operations Course.

Associated links

Contacts

Byrne Furlong
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: byrne.furlong@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2018/10/government-of-canada-signs-defence-cooperation-arrangement-with-mexico.html

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