Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced the expansion of her country's diplomatic presence in Central and Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

Joly said in a statement on Wednesday that the current Canadian offices in Estonia, Lithuania, and Slovakia, which have strong relations with Canada and key NATO allies, will be upgraded to full embassies with resident ambassadors, in addition to strengthening the Canadian diplomatic presence in Latvia.

Joly added that these changes will enhance Canada's engagement in the region and help counter Russian activities and increase support for the reassurance process.

The Canadian Foreign Minister explained that, in addition, Canada will open a full embassy with a resident ambassador in Armenia, allowing for stronger bilateral relations and increased Canadian support for Armenian democracy.