June 6, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird concluded, in Ecuador, a successful visit to several Latin American countries from June 1 to June 6, 2014. During his visit to the region, he met with many of his counterparts to discuss key bilateral and regional issues.
“The Americas were declared a foreign policy priority for Canada in 2007,” said Baird. “Since then, two-way trade with Latin America and the Caribbean has increased by more than one third, and Canada has invested over $4.6 billion in international assistance.
“My latest visit comes on the back of more than 80 high-level Canadian delegations to the region in the last two years alone. I enjoyed many warm and productive meetings, and looking ahead, it’s clear that Canada’s relationships in the Americas are meaningful and enduring.”
In Quito, Baird met with Ricardo Patiño, his Ecuadorian counterpart, and highlighted the two countries’ shared commitment to democratic governance, education and the important role of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the hemisphere. The two ministers witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement with Canada’s CALDO, a consortium of nine research-intensive universities. Baird also met with Mauricio Rodas, Mayor of Quito, and later also met with representatives of Canadian companies active in Ecuador and promoted economic opportunities by highlighting Canadian capabilities and interests in infrastructure, mining and other sectors.
Baird travelled to Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Ecuador to reinforce regional collaboration, advance economic opportunities, promote Canadian values, and foster lasting relationships. He also highlighted the upcoming Pan American and Parapan American Games being hosted in Toronto in 2015.
In Paraguay, he attended the OAS General Assembly, where he spoke about Canada’s engagement in the Americas and the importance of democratic values.
For more information on Canada’s engagement in the Americas, please visit The Americas: Our Neighbours, Our Priority, and Panorama. For more information on Baird’s visit, please consult Baird Visits Latin America.
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