June 18, 2009
No. 165
The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today issued the following statement to mark the anniversary of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS):
“Canada salutes the members of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States as they celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Treaty of Basseterre, which established the Organisation. Canada enjoys a long-standing, warm and positive relationship with the OECS countries, which is based on a shared Commonwealth heritage, common values and many strong people-to-people links.
“The large Caribbean community in Canada has made important economic, academic and cultural contributions to Canadian society. The community and its vibrant culture are always well represented and appreciated at festivals across Canada.
“Our ties with the Caribbean can only get closer as Canada moves forward with broader engagement in the Americas. Canada’s relationship with the OECS involves cooperation in the areas of security, development assistance, and commerce. Canada works closely with its Caribbean partners to pursue the continued development of a mutually beneficial relationship.
“Today, the members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States celebrate its creation, and we join them here in Canada, where hundreds of thousands of Canadians of eastern Caribbean origin live.”
For more information on Canada-OECS relations, please consult the following web page:
www.canadainternational.gc.ca/barbados-barbade/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/canada_oecs-oeco.aspx?menu_id=61&menu=L.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Eleanor Johnston
Senior Special Assistant (Communications)
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)
613-947-8981
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
