Foreign Affairs Minister to attend ASEAN meeting

News Release

August 4, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today that she will participate in the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Canada Post-Ministerial Conference and the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, Philippines, from August 6 to 7, 2017.

The Minister will meet foreign ministers and senior officials from all 10 ASEAN member states at the conference. This will provide an occasion to mark Canada’s strong engagement with ASEAN over the past 40 years. Canada is one of ASEAN’s 10 Dialogue Partners, countries that enjoy a special relationship with ASEAN and have access to various dedicated ASEAN forums and meetings. This will be the Minister’s first meeting with all ASEAN foreign ministers together.

At the meeting, the Minister will advocate for Canada’s regional security interests, defend human rights and gender equality, promote cooperation on countering violent extremism, support the rule of law, address the impact of climate change and champion funding for humanitarian assistance.

Quotes

“As a Pacific nation, Canada is proud to work with our ASEAN partners to support initiatives that foster peace, security and prosperity for people in the region. We will continue to work together on feminist foreign and development policies, inclusive trade and deeper engagement between our peoples.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick Facts

  • This year marks the 40th anniversary of Canada’s status as a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. Canada is one of only 10 countries with this important level of partnership.

  • The Philippines is the chair of ASEAN in 2017 and is responsible for coordinating ASEAN’s relationship with external partners, including Canada, a responsibility it will hold until 2018.

  • Canada partners with ASEAN on a wide range of issues from tackling climate change to counterterrorism. Ongoing cooperation with ASEAN since 2011 is valued at over $90 million.

  • ASEAN countries are an important source of immigration to Canada. In 2015, over 55,000 new permanent residents came to Canada from ASEAN countries. In 2015, the Philippines was Canada’s top source of new permanent residents.

Associated Links

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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