Prime Minister Harper announces four country visit to Latin America and the Caribbean

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will visit Colombia, Chile, Barbados and Haiti from July 15 to 20, 2007. 

The visit gives Canada the opportunity to establish new partnerships in the Americas and enhance our relationships in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Through this enhanced engagement, Canada could achieve real progress on key issues such as security, democratic governance and economic prosperity.

Throughout the visit the Prime Minister will meet with foreign leaders and representatives from the private sector. Prime Minister Harper will also meet with Canadians who are making contributions to democratic, social and economic progress in the region.

The Prime Minister will begin his visit in Bogotá, where he will meet with Colombian President Álvaro Uribe.  On July 17 and 18, he will visit Chile and meet with President Michelle Bachelet.  On July 18 and 19, Prime Minister Harper will visit Barbados where he will meet with Prime Minister Owen Arthur and other leading figures from the Caribbean. On July 20, the Prime Minister will conclude his trip with a visit to Haiti where he will meet with President René Préval.