September 14, 2009
No. 249
The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), met José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), in Ottawa during Mr. Insulza’s visit to Canada on September 13 and 14, 2009. They discussed current challenges facing the OAS, including the political crisis in Honduras.
“I welcomed Secretary General Insulza to Canada, and we discussed our continued support of the OAS as it addresses regional challenges through increased cooperation,” said Minister of State Kent. “Canada encourages collaboration in resolving regional issues, and is providing leadership in strengthening democracy and improving security in the hemisphere.”
During the Secretary General’s visit, he and Minister of State Kent participated in the Sixth Plenary Meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas (FIPA). FIPA, created in March 2000, is composed of representatives of national legislatures of the Americas. It is the hemisphere’s primary forum for inter-parliamentary dialogue.
“We are pleased that pressing issues, such as the economic crisis, food security and human rights, were on the agenda of the Sixth Plenary Meeting of the FIPA,” said Minister of State Kent. “Canada promotes an open dialogue among members of parliaments of the Americas.”
For more information, please consult Canada and the Organization of American States.
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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
