Minister Dion to welcome Secretary General of Organization of American States
News Release
December 15, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that he will meet with Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), on December 16, 2016, in Ottawa.
Minister Dion and Secretary General Almagro will discuss topics of mutual interest, such as supporting and promoting human rights and democracy at the OAS, supporting the work of the OAS and exploring new ways to demonstrate strong political engagement in the Americas region.
This will be Mr. Almagro’s first official visit to Canada since becoming secretary general.
While in Ottawa, he will also meet with members of the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, chaired by the Honourable Robert Nault, and visit the University of Ottawa’s Centre for International Policy Studies to speak on the challenges facing Latin America, after which he will participate in a question-and-answer session.
Quotes
“My meeting with Secretary General Almagro will provide an opportunity to stress Canada’s priorities at the OAS, including contributing to building a stable foundation for the inter-American human rights system and promoting democracy, inclusive governance, public safety and security through collaboration with inter-American agencies.”
- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- Founded in 1948, the OAS is the oldest regional organization in the world. It replaced the Pan-American Union and was intended to promote peaceful relations in the Americas. It is the premier multilateral political forum in the hemisphere, with 34 active member states.
- After 28 years as an observer, Canada became a member of the OAS on January 8, 1990.
- Canada is represented at the OAS by its permanent mission. The mission is the primary channel of communication between Canada and the OAS’s General Secretariat and the other member states.
- The next OAS general assembly will be held in Mexico in June 2017 and will serve as an important precursor of 2018’s Eighth Summit of the Americas in Peru.
Associated links
- Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization of American States
- The Organization of American States
Contacts
Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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