Will also make first ever visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to Jamaica
15 April 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today that he will attend the fifth Summit of the Americas from April 17 to 19, 2009, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
“With the global recession creating challenges for people throughout the Western Hemisphere, it is more important than ever that governments work together in response,” said the Prime Minister, who will be joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon and Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas) Peter Kent at the summit. “I look forward to sharing ideas with my counterparts on how we can work more closely together on the economic and security issues facing the Americas.”
The Summit of the Americas brings together the democratically elected leaders of 34 countries in North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. This year’s Summit is focused on restoring growth and prosperity, promoting energy security and sustainable development, enhancing public security, and consolidating democracy. Since its launch in Miami in 1994, the Summit has helped build a sense of hemispheric community based on shared values and common purpose.
The Prime Minister also announced that he will visit Jamaica on April 19 and 20, immediately following the Summit of the Americas.
“Canada and Jamaica have always had a special bond that is made all the stronger thanks to the contributions of thousands of Canadians of Jamaican heritage,” said the Prime Minister. “I look forward to building on this historic partnership and further strengthening the links between our two countries.”
