March 5, 2008
No. 51
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today participated in the Canada-EU Transatlantic Dialogue Meeting, during which he explored ways of strengthening the ongoing cooperation between Canada and the EU.
"I am very pleased with the outcome of the Canada-EU Transatlantic Dialogue Meeting-the first to take place since 2004. It demonstrates our commitment to working closely with like-minded partners in advancing shared values around the world," said Minister Bernier.
The Minister met with three of his EU counterparts: Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel (representing the EU Presidency); European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner; and EU Council Director-General for External and Politico-Military Affairs Robert Cooper, acting on behalf of EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana.
"Minister Rupel, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, Director-General Cooper and I had very productive discussions on areas of Canada-EU cooperation, including Afghanistan and our participation in the EU Police Mission there, as well as many other peace and security issues," said Minister Bernier. "Canada and the EU share values of democracy, human rights and rule of law. It is crucial that Canada maintain a strong partnership with the EU, which plays an increasingly active role in crisis management operations on three continents."
At the Meeting, Minister Bernier also had the opportunity to review progress made toward the implementation of commitments made by the leaders at the 2007 Canada-EU Summit, including a joint study of a closer economic partnership. The Minister also discussed plans for the 2008 Canada-EU Summit scheduled to take place in Canada this fall.
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