Canada-El Salvador Relations

Fact Sheet: General country information, political and economic data.

Beginning of Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic relations with El Salvador were established in 1961, and were managed first through the Embassy of Canada in Costa Rica, and subsequently from Guatemala. Canada's relations with El Salvador deepened with the opening of the Office of the Canadian Embassy in San Salvador in 1995 and with the upgrade of that Office to Embassy in 2004. While increasing trade and investment may have served as a catalyst for this process, political relations between Canada and El Salvador have also developed in recent years. In addition, Canada and El Salvador work closely in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States.

Key Issues

• First Canadian Ambassador Resident in San Salvador
  In September 2004, Canada upgraded its Office in San Salvador to Embassy with the arrival of its first resident Ambassador to El Salvador, Gwyneth Kutz. In January 2005, the Honourable Dan McTeague, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Pettigrew, officially inaugurated the Canadian Embassy in San Salvador.

• Peace Accords:
  El Salvador has had tremendous success in the consolidation of peace and democracy since the signing of the 1992 peace accords. Its demonstrable progress in the strengthening of human rights and national reconciliation can be held up as a model for other post-conflict societies.

• Elections:
  El Salvador held presidential elections in March 2004. Antonio Saca of the ARENA party won with 57% of the vote. Senator Mac Harb represented Canada at the inauguration of President Saca on June 1, 2004.

• Free Trade Agreement:
  Canada is negotiating a free trade agreement with El Salvador and three other countries in Central America: Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Parallel agreements on labour and environment are also being pursued.

Trade and Investment

International Trade Canada is responsible for positioning Canada as a world business leader and for promoting Canada as a dynamic place to do business. Visit the International Trade Canada web site for information about services for Canadian companies, non-Canadian companies, business development, and information relating to investment or trade policy.

Indigenous Relations

Learn more about the Aboriginal dimension of Canada’s relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Development Assistance

CIDA supports projects in the Americas and around the world that are eligible for Canadian aid through development cooperation initiatives.

April 2005