Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER HARPER ON HIS VISIT TO COLOMBIA FOLLOWING MEETINGS WITH PRESIDENT URIBE

July 16, 2007
Bogotá, Colombia

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I'm very pleased to be the first Canadian Prime Minister to make an official visit to Colombia since we established diplomatic relations 50 years ago.

President Uribe and I have just completed cordial and productive discussions. We talked about the political and economic situation in Colombia, and the full range of Canadian engagement here.

I underlined Canada's commitment to support Colombia's efforts to achieve domestic peace and security and protect human rights. I advised the President that Canada will be increasing its support for peace-building, justice and national reconciliation this year.

We also discussed Canada's leadership role in the protection of children affected by violence and conflict, and in responding to Colombia's continuing problem of landmines.

The President and I are pleased with the start of free trade negotiations, we've also agreed to negotiations on a double-taxation agreement. We anticipate mutually beneficial agreements that will strengthen the partnership between our countries.

Our countries have enjoyed very strong growth in bilateral trade and investment. Canadian expertise compliments Colombian economic strength in areas such as mining, engineering, and oil and gas.

We believe greater economic integration through trade and investment will help alleviate poverty and create new wealth and employment opportunities for Colombians and Canadians.

I am pleased to announce that Canada will launch a new labour program for the Americas that will include support for Colombia. This program will foster dialogue among government, business and labour, and address health and safety issues.

President Uribe and his government have made tremendous progress against the vicious cycle of conflict, violence and under-development that has plagued Colombia for decades. They have persuaded tens of thousands of paramilitaries to lay down their arms and join their countrymen in building a safer and more prosperous country.

Most Colombians are dedicated to the core values of successful countries: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Canada shares these values and seeks to nurture them through our partnerships with Colombians. Working together, we can help realize the potential of this great country, and help its people achieve the peace, stability and economic opportunity they have so long desired.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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