Hoekstra says U.S. needs ‘our allies on board’ to counter terrorist threats
The U.S. ambassador attended a memorial in Gander, Newfoundland to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York City.
Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, emphasized the importance of Canada's role in countering terrorist threats that target Western democracies. Hoekstra visited Gander, Newfoundland, on Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The Canadian town became a refuge for over 7,000 stranded passengers after the attacks disrupted air travel.
Hoekstra expressed gratitude for Canada's support, noting that the friendship and contributions made during and after the attacks remain crucial. He stated, "We need all of our allies on board. Not on board America’s strategy, but on board a strategy that says this is an evil that threatens each of our countries... It is a threat, we need to confront it."
Hoekstra's tenure as ambassador has been marked by tensions, including Trump's annexation threats and snide comments about the Canadian military. Despite these issues, Hoekstra acknowledged the need for mutual respect in bilateral relations. A petition demanding Hoekstra's expulsion from Canada garnered over 269,000 signatures, but the ambassador declined to discuss the matter further.
The memorial in Gander, which inspired the hit Broadway musical Come From Away, highlighted the town's resilience and kindness in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
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