Bogotá, Colombia, Thursday, December 4, 2014
Check Against Delivery
On behalf of Sharon and the entire Canadian delegation, I thank you for welcoming us so warmly here in Bogotá. What a pleasure it is to see and to meet with so many friends of Canada in Colombia!
We are here to celebrate the relationship between our two nations, but we are also here on a mission of discovery. Travelling with me are experts in multiple fields, each one eager to engage with their Colombian counterparts to find new ways to work together.
Already, I have met with so many Colombians who are contributing great things to our relationship. Of particular interest was the inauguration of the new campus from Montréal-based LaSalle College here in Bogotá. Sharon has also been exploring this nation. Earlier today, she met with women who are shaping minds and opinions, and helping to make this country a smarter, more caring place.
On a personal note, Sharon and I are delighted to have our daughter Debbie join us on this trip, along with our granddaughters, Emma and Téa. These wonderful girls were adopted from right here in Colombia, and we are so pleased that they are able to see the country of their birth first-hand.
Canada and Colombia have a long history of collaboration, which I am particularly pleased to highlight.
We are partnering and sharing innovative approaches to agriculture, sustainable natural resource management and rural economic development, as well as helping to develop educational programs and solve global issues.
Moreover, in addition to the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Colombia is also recognized as a priority market in Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan and a priority country in Canada’s Strategy for Engagement in the Americas.
But there remains enormous untapped potential for a greater and more prosperous relationship with Colombia, building on our already strong ties. This begins with all of you here with us today. You, who recognize how important it is for countries like ours to work together.
We are collaborative because we know that is the best way to achieve success domestically and internationally.
It is this desire to work together that is at the heart of our relationship.
This gathering is cause for celebration. Together, you are making real contributions to Canada and to Colombia. For Canadians, communities like this are a great asset. You help to extend our range and to broaden our understanding of other cultures.
The world has long embraced Canada and made us stronger, and today, Canadians are reaching out and forging new links with countries such as Colombia, an important partner in the region.
Together, let us strive to build fair, prosperous and inclusive societies in which equality of opportunity and excellence go hand in hand.
I thank you for your contributions to our enduring friendship.
