September 6, 2008
No. 198
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today welcomed Canada's support for the Nuclear Suppliers Group's decision to allow nuclear trade with India.
"Canada a's decision to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group consensus marks a turning point in our relations with India and will help to facilitate a more comprehensive and robust bilateral relationship," said Minister Emerson.
"India i s a responsible democracy that shares with Canada the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law," added the Minister. "It has made substantial commitments to achieve the trust of the Nuclear Supplie rs Group, including a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency that will allow the Agency to monitor additional civilian nuclear facilities in India. Furthermore, India has agreed to remain committed to a voluntary unilateral morat orium on nuclear testing."
The Nuclear Suppliers Group is a group of 45 countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons by establishing guidelines for nuclear and nuclear-related exports.
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