February 19, 2008
No. 38
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a visit to
Colombia, a partner that figures prominently in Canada’s re-engagement in the
Americas.
In Bogotá, Minister Bernier met with President Álvaro Uribe and with his counterpart,
Foreign Minister Fernando Araújo, to discuss bilateral issues such as Canada’s support
for Colombia’s peace efforts and moves to strengthen economic ties between the two
countries.
“President Uribe and I had a very constructive meeting,” said Minister Bernier. “He and
his government have made important progress against the cycle of conflict, violence
and underdevelopment that has plagued Colombia for decades. Canada is supporting
Colombia’s efforts in concrete ways that are helping to achieve real results.”
Canada’s engagement in Colombia also includes the promotion of prosperity.
Discussions on a free trade agreement with Colombia are ongoing and Canada remains
committed to concluding the negotiations in the near future.
In addition to his discussions with senior officials on trade issues, Minister Bernier had
the opportunity to meet with Canadian business representatives operating in Colombia.
The Minister also met with civil society leaders to discuss the current human-rights
situation and prospects for peace. He visited a Canadian-funded education centre that
is helping children in an underprivileged neighbourhood of Bogotá resist recruitment by
illegal armed groups.
Over the next year, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada will provide up to
$6 million, through the Global Peace and Security Fund (GPSF), to continue supporting
Colombia’s peace efforts. Through the GPSF, Canada supports peace building, the
promotion and protection of victims’ rights, and the fight against impunity.
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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
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
