5 April 2012
Cartagena, Colombia
Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks in Cartagena, Colombia:
“Greetings, everyone.
“I’d like to begin by welcoming my colleagues who are here, Minister Ablonczy and Minister Fast, MP Randy Hoback and Senator Mike MacDonald.
“I would like to thank the Colombian people for their hospitality, as well as President Santos for his gracious hosting and his effective chairing of the meetings here in Cartagena.
“As you know, the Americas are a priority for our Government.
“Canada seeks a secure, prosperous and democratic hemisphere.
“During the plenary sessions, I emphasized that increased trade, and commercial and economic ties are critical in driving economic prosperity and sustainable growth both at home and abroad.
“I noted our success in expanding our commerce, our investment and our network of trade agreements throughout the Americas.
“In fact, Canada has more free trade agreements in this hemisphere than with the rest of the world combined.
“I also underscored Canada’s commitment to working with our partners to combat transnational organized crime through capacity-building.
“Of course, finally I held a series of productive bilateral discussions with other leaders on a range of issues.”
