(No. 324 - October 30, 2009) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that he will participate in the Broader Middle East and North Africa (BMENA) Forum for the Future in Marrakesh, Morocco, on November 2 and 3, 2009.
“This important forum is an excellent opportunity to discuss issues of great importance to the broader Middle East and North Africa region, as well as to the countries of the G8,” said Minister Cannon. “I look forward to meeting with my counterparts to review issues of common concern, such as the Middle East peace process and the situations in Iran and Afghanistan.”
The Forum for the Future is a joint venture between the countries of the broader Middle East and North Africa region and the G8. It is part of the BMENA Initiative launched at the 2004 G8 Summit, where the G8 countries stressed their commitment to supporting reforms in the region and to establishing informal, flexible, open and inclusive dialogue with the BMENA countries.
The Forum brings together foreign ministers of the broader Middle East and North Africa region and of the G8, as well as representatives of the civil and private sectors.
“Canada continues to work to ensure that the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law are enjoyed throughout the world,” said Minister Cannon. “This forum will also give me the opportunity to discuss with my counterparts the challenges we face in the current global economic crisis.”
Morocco is co-chairing the sixth edition of the Forum with Italy, which this year holds the presidency of the G8.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
