8 May 2010
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement at the conclusion of his meeting with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany:
"We had good discussions today that focused on a range of economic and non-economic issues, many of which we will be discussing at the upcoming G-20 and G-8 summits being held in Canada this year.
"The G-20 summit will focus primarily on economic matters. We do see some positive signs in much of the world economy. At the same time, it is necessary that we continue to follow through on existing stimulus commitments. It's important that we continue to work strongly and aggressively on reform of the financial sector -- nationally and internationally -- that we continue to resist protectionism, and that we develop the framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth that we agreed to in Pittsburgh.
"We also discussed non-economic matters, including Iran and Afghanistan and other peace and security issues which will be addressed at the G-8 Summit in Muskoka. Climate change will also be a matter that I'm sure will be addressed at the Summit as well as development and humanitarian aid issues. As you know, our G-8 development ministers have made an important commitment to making progress on our maternal and child health initiative, which is really our signature piece for the development discussions.
"I look forward, Chancellor, to seeing you in Canada in June. You have many friends there. I hope you'll have a great visit, and I hope we discuss the possibility of you coming on another occasion as well to have a bilateral visit."
