(No. 24 - January 17, 2010 - 1:50 p.m. ET) The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today announced that he will travel to the Dominican Republic on January 18, 2010.
“We are entering a challenging new phase in disaster assistance and humanitarian relief in Haiti,” the Minister of State said. “It is now more critical than ever that our efforts remain coordinated. We will work hard to ensure that appropriate coordination among all partners takes place, so that the Haitian people receive aid more quickly.
“Canada recognizes the importance of a prompt, effective response by the international community to assist in recovery and reconstruction efforts over the short, medium and long term in Haiti,” Minister of State Kent added. “The Dominican Republic is convening a meeting of regional leaders and foreign ministers, which I am pleased to be attending.”
Minister of State Kent will also discuss how best to respond to the disaster in bilateral meetings with President Leonel Fernández and Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso.
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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
