From November 7 to 12, 2022, the Honourable George J. Furey, K.C., Speaker of the Senate, led a parliamentary delegation on a visit to the Republic of Portugal and the Republic of Lithuania. The delegation consisted of the Honourable David M. Wells, Senator, the Honourable Lucie Moncion, Senator, and the Honourable Hassan Yussuff, Senator. The delegation was accompanied by Ms. Karen Furey, Mr. Vince MacNeil, Chief of Staff to the Speaker, and Mr. Jacques Maziade, Secretary of the delegation.
In the Republic of Portugal, the members of the delegation met with the following persons:
The delegation also took the opportunity to hold a roundtable discussion with representatives of Canadian companies operating in Portugal. The delegation met with the following individuals:
In addition, topics such as, but not limited to, energy security, economy, migration and the rise of populism were discussed with the following experts:
Finally, delegates were able to discuss ocean and climate change issues with the following experts:
The visit to the Republic of Portugal was an opportunity to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries as well as to strengthen bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, and Canadian interests in Portugal. It also provided an opportunity to discuss energy, economic, trade, and security issues of mutual interest.
In the Republic of Lithuania, members of the delegation met with the following individuals:
Among others, the delegation had the opportunity to exchange views with members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on National Security and Defense of the Seimas.
In addition, the delegation met with members of the NATO Force Integration Unit (Lithuania).
The purpose of the visit to the Republic of Lithuania was to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to promote democratic values. The members of the delegation had the opportunity to discuss with their counterparts foreign policies and policies for the defense of international and common interests, including the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. In this regard, the delegation reiterated Canada's support for Lithuania as it faces the consequences of this invasion.
The report will be available once it has been tabled in the Senate.