November 20, 2008
No. 217
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement from Lima, Peru, where he was attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum Ministerial Meeting:
"APEC is an important forum for discussing and advancing economic issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region, of which Canada is an integral part. I had the opportunity to hold a number of bilateral meetings to discuss the global economic downturn and review a number of issues of common concern with several of our Asia-Pacific partners. As noted by Prime Minister Harper in Washington recently, this crisis demands a coordinated and cooperative response.
"I am pleased to say that Canada continues to play a leadership role in APEC. I called on APEC ministers to demonstrate clear support for the implementation of the G20 action plan aimed at restoring confidence in the global economy. As we have so far managed the global financial market turbulence better than many other countries, Canada is using its experience in developing a strong model of financial regulation to help lead the world in repairing and strengthening the international financial system."
On the margins of the APEC Ministerial Meeting, Minister Cannon met separately with his counterparts from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Papua New Guinea and Peru. These timely meetings were an occasion to discuss a series of bilateral issues as well as to consider areas of possible cooperation in managing the current global financial crisis. Ministers also focused on challenges such as human rights and democracy, human security, the environment and emergency preparedness.
While in Peru, Minister Cannon reiterated Canada's commitment to deepening and sustaining our engagement in the region. He also highlighted our vision of working with hemispheric partners to build a more prosperous, democratic and secure hemisphere.
In the face of global economic instability, the Government of Canada is committed to a collaborative approach with its hemispheric partners, and to keeping Canadians safe, secure and prosperous.
For more information on APEC Peru 2008 and Canada's participation in it, please consult: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/apec/index.aspx.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
