Santiago, Chile, Monday, December 1st, 2014
Check against delivery
On behalf of Sharon and the entire Canadian delegation, I thank you for welcoming us so warmly here in Santiago. What a pleasure it is to see and to meet with so many friends in Chile!
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 Chilean counterparts to find new ways to work together.
Already, I have met with so many Chileans who are contributing great things to our relationship. Sharon has also been exploring the multifaceted nature of the relationship between Canada and Chile. Earlier today, she met with those who are helping to advance social inclusion for adults with mental and physical illnesses, with the support of Canada.
Our two countries have a long history of collaboration—more than 70 years—which I am particularly pleased to highlight.
We are partnering and sharing in so many ways.
Canada and Chile have a strong and growing commercial relationship based on investment and robust two-way trade. In fact, since the signing of the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, bilateral trade has more than tripled between our nations.
Additionally, in 2013, Chile was Canada’s top investment destination in Latin America and eighth worldwide. As well, we are working together to enhance security, to increase academic mobility and to strengthen our people-to-people ties.
Moreover, we are working together in education, innovation, and science and technology to the benefit of both our nations.
Canada supports efforts in the private sector in both countries to promote innovative start-ups, to stimulate entrepreneurship, and to broaden and diversify our economic ties.
But there remains enormous untapped potential for a greater and more prosperous relationship with Chile, 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.
And it is out of this desire to work together—which is at the heart of our relationship—that Canada removed visa requirements for Chilean citizens travelling to our country. This positive development will, I hope, encourage Chileans to visit Canada; for example, during the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan American Games.
This gathering is cause for celebration. Together, you are making real contributions to Canada and to Chile. 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 Chile, 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.
