Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement concerning the return to prison of prominent Vietnamese dissident Father Nguyen Van Ly. Baird said Canada is very disappointed that Father Nguyen Van Ly has been returned to prison urges the Government of Vietnam to permanently release Father Ly and the many others imprisoned … Read more
Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Diane Ablonczy (Calgary-Nosehill, AB) issued a statement regarding the election of Irwin LaRocque as secretary-general of the Caribbean Community. Ablonczy congratulated LaRoque on his election and said she looks forward to working with him in the spirit and cooperation. The full release is available online. … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) issued a statement after an announcement by Canada’s premiers that they will pursue a joint trade mission with the federal government to China within 12 months. Fast said the government is pleased to see the provinces and territories formally recognize that expanding Canada’s trading relationships is crucial to … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement on the violent repression of protest in Malawi. Baird said Canada supports the people of Malawi’s fight against poverty and their efforts to build a better society. Canada calls on the Government of Malawi to exercise restraint and avoid any acts that could lead … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement on the arrest by Serbian security forces of Goran Hadić, the last remaining fugitive under indictment by the UN’s International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Baird congratulated the Serbian government on this arrest and said Canada is pleased that he will be brought … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) concluded his trip to China with stops in Beijing and Shanghai. This was his first visit to China as foreign affairs minister. Baird met with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues of importance to both countries and to pursue Canada’s … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) expressed disappointment on behalf of Canada regarding Iran’s refusal to allow entry to Ahmad Shaheed, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran. Baird said this is the latest in a series of diplomatic snubs by Iranian authorities bent on undermining the UN’s work to … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) marked the conclusion of the eighth round of Canada-European Union free trade negotiations, which took place this week in Brussels, by highlighting the progress made to date. Fast said officials from Canada and the EU have exchanged ambitious offers on goods, services, investment and government procurement and that … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) will be travelling to China from July 17 to 21, 2011, for his first visit to Asia as Foreign Affairs Minister. The visit signals the importance Canada places on this key bilateral relationship and a desire to engage China on all fronts. Baird will spend three days … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) made a statement following a large explosion in Mari, Cyprus. Baird expressed condolences on behalf of Canadians to those who lost loved ones in the deadly explosion. Baird said Canada stands with the people of Cyprus during this time of national introspection. The full release is available … Read more
