(No. 268 - September 16, 2011 - 9 p.m. ET) The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), today concluded her visit toMexico and theDominican Republic.
“Mexicoand theDominican Republicare important partners forCanada, and every year thousands of Canadians visit these countries,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “My recent visits have strengthened our consular relationships by engaging in dialogue with high-level authorities to understand what our counterparts in other countries think and why.”
While inMexico, Minister of State Ablonczy met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Patricia Espinosa and Attorney General Marisela Morales to exchange views on consular matters. Minister of State Ablonczy welcomed the close bilateral cooperation in addressing consular issues in both countries and took the opportunity to discuss shared interests in continuing to strengthen democratic institutions in the region and to help address the threat posed by transnational crime.
“This was a successful visit that provided the opportunity to underscoreCanada’s continued commitment to its growing and deepening relationship withMexico,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “We agreed to hold a best consular practices seminar between Canadian and Mexican officials in the coming months.”
In theDominican Republic, Minister of State Ablonczy met with President Leonel Fernández, Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso, Attorney General Radhamés Jiménez Peña, Minister of Health Bautista Rojas Gómez, Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier García and National Police Chief José Armando Polanco Gómez. Her visit concluded inPunta Cana,Dominican Republic, with meetings with tour operators, Canadian residents and Canadian business representatives.
“I had a fruitful exchange with President Fernández during which I expressedCanada’s appreciation of the strong engagement of theDominican Republicas part of the international effort to assist with reconstruction inHaiti,” said Minister of State Ablonczy.
For more information, consult Minister of State Ablonczy Visits Mexico and Dominican Republic.
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