12 August 2011
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks while in San Pedro Sula, Honduras:
“Mr. President, I am delighted to be here with you today, on what I know you have said is an historic day.
“And I know I also speak for the entire Canadian delegation when I thank you for your warm welcome to this country.
“I am also hopeful that the discussions we are having today will lead to a new era of partnership and enhanced friendship between the peoples of Honduras and Canada.
“First, I congratulate you upon your readmission to the Organization of American States.
“Canada fully supported this important step, and as you know, our then-Minister of State for the Americas, Peter Kent, worked diligently to secure it.
“It is a hard-won accomplishment under difficult circumstances and bodes well for this country’s future.
“We should also both take satisfaction from a long history of bilateral relations.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary, and today's visit should be taken as evidence of our earnest desire for a stronger relationship with Honduras – one based upon a commitment to human rights, democracy, security and prosperity.
“A better life is one of humanity's universal desires and it takes many things to effect lasting improvements for a nation.
“Friends of Honduras, such as Canada, are therefore encouraged by the initiatives
you have taken.
“Mr. President, in particular the establishment of a ministry dedicated to justice and human rights.
“We are also hopeful that the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will help the country move forward.
“However, we strongly believe that prosperity, general and widespread, is essential to any nation’s full enjoyment of peace, freedom and democracy.
“And if prosperity is the key to these great objectives, so is trade the key to prosperity.
“On this trip, I have announced significant steps forward in our trade agenda for the Americas: I reiterated support for exploratory trade talks with Murcosur in Brazil; announced the coming into force of our Agreement with Colombia; and announced the beginning of negotiations on a second-generation accord with Costa Rica.
“I am now very pleased to announce today, with you Mr. President, the successful conclusion of free trade negotiations between our two countries.
“Our experience shows that the removal of barriers to trade is the most efficient tool that governments possess, to generate growth and to generate and create jobs.
“Modern trade agreements, such as that to which we are putting our signatures today, also give labour and environmental concerns their appropriate weight.
“Mr. President, we have supported Honduras in the past and as it confronts difficult challenges, we will continue to do so.
“Our hearts are very much with you.
“And, in this same spirit of friendship, I would like to invite you, to return to Canada in the near future.”
