(No. 76 – February 22, 2010 – 7 p.m. ET) The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), concluded a three-day visit to Honduras on Saturday, February 20, where he met with President Porfirio Lobo Sosa and senior members of his cabinet.
“I have had a very fruitful visit to Honduras, where I had the opportunity to meet with President Porfirio Lobo and personally congratulate him on becoming President of Honduras,” Minister Kent said. “We are pleased to see that President Lobo is beginning the process of national reconciliation, including supporting the formation of a truth commission. This is an important step in healing the wounds created by the recent political impasse and for Hondurans to regain a sense of trust in their country’s democratic institutions.”
Minister Kent also met with senior members of President Lobo’s cabinet, including Foreign Minister Mario Canahuati, Minister of Industry and Commerce Oscar Escalante Ayala, and Minister of Planning and Cooperation Arturo Corrales. Minister Kent also met with Truth Commission Coordinator Eduardo Stein to hear about progress on establishing the truth commission.
“I encouraged President Lobo to continue to take steps toward national reconciliation. This will help advance the healing process and promote Honduras’ re-integration into the regional and international community,” added Minister Kent, who was very active in efforts to resolve the political crisis in Honduras following last June’s coup.
In addition to these meetings, Minister Kent met with Canadian business leaders in Honduras and visited Canadian companies operating in Honduras.
“Since establishing diplomatic relations with Honduras in 1961, our bilateral relationship has evolved considerably. As a result of Canada’s active involvement in efforts to resolve the political impasse in Honduras over the past several months, I believe that this relationship has only grown stronger,” Minister Kent stated.
On a one-day visit to Washington, D.C. prior to his trip to Honduras, Minister Kent discussed recent developments in the hemisphere with the Organization of American States’ Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, and Assistant Secretary General, Albert Ramdin.
– 30 –
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
