(No. 335 - November 7, 2011 - 1:20 p.m. ET) The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), today began a four-day visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with key partners in the Americas in order to advance Canada’s priorities in the region.
“I look forward to meeting with representatives of some of our multilateral and bilateral partners in the Americas,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “These meetings offer an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in Canada’s engagement in the Americas. We will discuss ways to continue to collaborate effectively in advancing prosperity, democracy and security in the hemisphere, specifically through our active participation in the Organization of American States.”
During the four-day visit, from November 7 to 10, 2011, Minister of State Ablonczy will meet with José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the Inter-American Development Bank, and Santiago Canton, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, among others.
Minister of State Ablonczy will also be representing the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Heritage and Official Languages, at the OAS Inter-American Meeting of Ministers and Highest Authorities of Culture. This year the OAS is celebrating the Inter-American Year of Culture.
“We can build safer and healthier communities and generate economic, social and human development through culture,” added Minister of State Ablonczy. “Involving marginalized youth in cultural activities will contribute to increased security and economic prosperity—two key areas of Canada’s engagement in the Americas.”
Finally, while in Washington, Minister of State Ablonczy will participate in activities showcasing an innovative collaboration between the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Canadian University Service Overseas-Voluntary Service Overseas (CUSO-VSO) in Canada and the town of Suchitoto in El Salvador. The Es Artes Suchitoto/Stratford initiative has a direct impact on youth at risk from gangs, violence, drugs and social marginalization in El Salvador.
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John Babcock
Senior Communications Adviser
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)
613-944-2300
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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