NEWS RELEASES
CANADA AND JORDAN ESTABLISH REGIONAL HUMAN SECURITY CENTRE
September 12, 2000 (2:00 p.m. EDT) No. 227
CANADA AND JORDAN ESTABLISH REGIONAL HUMAN SECURITY
CENTRE
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Jordanian Foreign Affairs Minister Abdul
Ilah Al-Khatib today announced the creation of a Regional Human Security Centre in
Amman, Jordan. The Centre will provide a focal point for regional co-operation on
human security issues and will foster and reinforce the transition of the Middle East into
a region of stability, security and prosperity. Minister Khatib is in Ottawa accompanying
His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on a
working visit September 11 and 12.
"Jordan hopes that the Regional Human Security Centre will contribute to durable
human security in the region," said Minister Khatib. "Our aim is to act jointly in order to
translate the collective commitment toward a more secure and stable region into
concrete steps aimed at improving human security."
"The leaders and people of the Middle East are taking courageous steps forward to
build and consolidate peace," said Minister Axworthy. "Canada is pleased to be co-founding this Centre with Jordan in an effort to promote human security -- the well-being
and safety of all people. Drawing on regional expertise, with the support and active
engagement of Canadian experts, we will work together, through this Centre, to provide
practical programs that will enhance human security."
The Centre will concentrate on building the next generation of leaders, providing
operational training, research and cross-regional discussion in a number of areas
including: negotiation and mediation skills; international humanitarian law; and human
rights. The Centre will be located in the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy, a well-established
Jordanian centre of excellence in diplomatic training.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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