TORONTO – Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko will make his first official visit to Canada next week.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s office confirmed Thursday night that Poroshenko will visit Sept. 17 to meet with Harper.
The two leaders plan to discuss the ongoing situation in the Ukraine and the peace plan announced earlier this month between Ukraine, Russia and pro-Russian separatists.
“It is a great honour to welcome President Poroshenko to Canada,” Harper said in a statement released Thursday night.
“We remain steadfast in our support for the people of Ukraine and are committed to helping the Government re-build itself into a democratic, independent, and prosperous European country, free from aggressors.”
Poroshenko is also expected to address Parliament during his visit.
Since fighting began in east Ukraine in mid-April, nearly 2,600 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes, according to U.N. estimates.
Canada is sending $250 million in support to the country to help “promote social and economic reforms.” Canada is also sending short and long-term observers to the Oct. 26 Ukraine Parliamentary elections.
-With files from The Associated Press
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