Press Release Department: Federal - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) welcomed Chen Deming, China’s Minister of Commerce, to Vancouver, B.C., where they discussed the potential for deepening the trade and economic relationship between their countries in a balanced way. The full release is available online. Call 613-992-7332. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) and William Hague, … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) prepared to welcome his South Korean counterpart to Ottawa. Baird said that Canada demands that North Korea provide documented information on the fate of Shin Sook-ja and her two daughters, Oh Hye-won and Oh Gyu-won, who have been detained for many years in North Korea’s infamous political … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) and Surin Pitsuwan, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement. The officials said they affirm the strong and vibrant dialogue relations between ASEAN and Canada during this, the 35th anniversary year since their establishment. They added that during this period, the … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) announced that Canada and the United Arab Emirates have successfully concluded a nuclear cooperation agreement (NCA). Baird made the announcement during a signing ceremony in Ottawa alongside his U.A.E. counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The full release is available online. Call 613-995-1874. 

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) said Canada condemns the actions of the armed group known as M23, which is committing horrific abuses against civilians including forced recruitment, summary executions and rape. Baird said the violence and abuses perpetrated by M23 have precipitated a sharp deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the region … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) addressed the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations. The full speech is available online.  Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) announced 10 diplomatic appointments. The full release is available online. Call 613-995-1874.

The European Union, Canada and Norway issued a joint statement. The EU, Canada and Norway are deeply concerned by reports of continued violent clashes in Kenya’s Coast Province that have recently killed over one hundred people and displaced thousands. The EU, Canada and Norway present their condolences to the families and friends of all those … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) said Canada strongly condemns and deeply regrets the senseless attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Baird said thoughts and prayers go out to the family of ambassador Christopher Stevens and the three other U.S. officials who lost their lives in serving their country. The full … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) released Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2012. This Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada publication provides an annual overview of the country’s international trade and investment, and outlines how opening new markets for Canadian exports creates jobs, growth, long-term prosperity and other benefits for Canadian … Read more

Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, NB) concluded a trade mission to the Dominican Republic and Haiti on behalf of International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC). Valcourt was accompanied by Conservative MP and chair of the Standing Committee on International Trade Rob Merrifield (Yellowhead, Alta.) and 20 organizations, primarily from … Read more