OTTAWA
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry flew into Ottawa Tuesday carrying a message: Americans will stand in solidarity with Canadians as the two countries battle terrorism.
His first act after arrival around noon was to join Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in placing a wreath at the National War Memorial to honor Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent. The two soldiers were killed last week in separate attacks by so-called “lone wolf” home-grown terrorists.
Kerry said that while he was pleased to visit the Canadian capital, he was “so sorry, obviously, for the events,” local media reported, adding that the two countries would work more closely together to stop terrorism. “We will win the battle of ideas.”
Baird conceded he wished Kerry had arrived at a more pleasant time.
“We are thrilled to have you here,” he said. “Wish it was under better circumstances, but we appreciate your friendship.”
He also promised that Canada would stand with the U.S. in the battle against terrorism.
“These attacks only make our resolve stronger to do our part in the global fight against terrorism,” Baird said after the two diplomats met at the foreign affairs building.
During their meeting, Kerry and Baird discussed details about the fight against ISIL and touched on the Ukraine situation, North American energy and control of the border between the two countries. No further details were given about the meeting.
The Canadian-U.S, border is the longest undefended border in the world, although both countries have beefed up security in the wake of terror threats – past and present.
As Kerry and Baird were laying the wreath, the funeral for Cirillo, who was killed Oct. 22 while standing sentry duty at the war memorial, was underway in the soldier’s hometown of Hamilton.
Also on Kerry’s agenda was a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper later Tuesday.
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