May 12, 2008
No. 111
The Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport), will visit San Salvador, El Salvador, from May 12 to 14, as part of Canada's renewed engagement in the Americas.
"El Salvador is an important partner for Canada in Central America and in multilateral forums such as the Organization of American States," said Secretary of State Guergis. "The trip will reinforce our re-engagement with the Americas and provide an excellent opportunity to exchange views on crucial issues of security, prosperity and the core values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law."
While in San Salvador, Secretary of State Guergis is scheduled to meet with President Elías Antonio Saca, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marisol Argueta de Barillas and other key officials. The Secretary of State will also meet with national and local government officials, representatives of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in El Salvador and a range of development and investment experts.
Canada's engagement with El Salvador includes strong economic ties as well as cooperation on the international response in Haiti, where members of the Salvadoran civilian police are working with Canadian colleagues.
The dynamic bilateral relationship is reinforced by the tens of thousands of Canadians who trace their roots to El Salvador, and who are contributing to the development and prosperity of both countries.
For further information on Canada-El Salvador bilateral relations, please consult the following websites:
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/geo/elsalvador-en.aspx
Canadian International Development Agency
http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/elsalvador-e
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Blair MacLean
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade and
Secretary of State for Sport
613-992-4224
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
