The first session of strategic consultations between the government of Canada and the democratic forces of Belarus took place in Ottawa, resembling the Strategic Dialogue previously established with the United States. The decision to hold these consultations was made during Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s meeting with the Foreign Minister of Canada, Mélanie Joly.
The consultations will aim to:
📌 Develop joint positions and priorities for cooperation in key areas;
📌 Increase the efficiency of support programs and align them with the needs of Belarus’ civil society.
The first session focused on the following areas:
- Politics, security, and political prisoners.
- Democratization and support for Belarusian media.
- Efforts to hold the regime accountable for crimes against humanity.
- Non-recognition of the 2025 sham election.
Representing the Belarusian side were Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her Office, Vladzimir Astapenka of the United Transitional Cabinet, members of the National Anti-Crisis Management, BelPol, and Belarusian journalists from independent media outlets. The Canadian side was represented by government officials, including from the Foreign Ministry, as well as department directors specializing in sanctions and international justice.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “These consultations mark a new chapter in the relations between Belarus and Canada. Together, we will work toward the release of political prisoners, support for independent media, and a stronger Belarusian civil society. Next year, as Canada will assume the G7 Presidency, we hope that Belarus will remain a priority on the agenda”.
