September 28, 2007
No. 132
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will today conclude a
series of high-level discussions on a wide range of global issues during the 62nd UN
General Assembly in New York City.
“I came to the UN General Assembly to promote Canadian values such as freedom,
democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” said Minister Bernier. “We are committed
to working with other member states to ensure that the UN is making a strong
contribution to addressing today’s challenges, including terrorism and the Middle East
peace process.”
In the course of the past week, Minister Bernier advocated strengthened international
commitment for security and development in Afghanistan during a high-level meeting
chaired by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
In his meetings with his Latin American and Caribbean counterparts, Minister Bernier
emphasized the priority that Canada places on cooperation in support of peace,
security and development in the Americas. He also held productive meetings with U.S.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Minister Patricia
Espinosa.
“I also proudly added Canada’s voice to the call for the cessation of violence in Burma,
for the rapid deployment of the UN-African Union hybrid force to Darfur, and for
continued support for Haiti,” Minister Bernier said.
Minister Bernier met with his G8 colleagues to exchange views on a broad range of
peace and security issues. During a meeting with his counterparts from member
countries, he also promoted the upcoming Francophonie summit to be held in the city of
Québec in 2008.
On Tuesday, October 2, Minister Bernier will deliver the Canadian address at the UN
general debate in New York.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
