Helena Guergis visits Costa Rica and Nicaragua

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade visited Costa Rica and Nicaragua, from November 6 to 9, 2007, as part of Canada’s renewed engagement in the Americas.

During her visit to Costa Rica, Secretary of State Guergis marked the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement (FTA).  The Secretary of State met with Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Stagno and Minister of Foreign Trade Marco Ruiz to discuss modernizing the Canada-Costa Rica FTA and enhancing its benefits.

In Nicaragua, Secretary of State Guergis announced locally Canada’s contribution of $4 million to the World Food Programme.  This money will go toward feeding 175,000 pre and primary school children in some of the poorest areas of Nicaragua.

The Secretary of State met with President Daniel Ortega and Minister of Development, Industry and Commerce, Orlando Solorzano. The Secretary of State also had the opportunity to meet with the international community’s Global Donor Roundtable Executive Board in Nicaragua and expressed appreciation for Canada having been selected as President of the Roundtable for the 2007-2009 period.

As President of the Global Donor Roundtable, Canada will work with key multi-lateral institutions to help Nicaragua achieve its development goals.

This trip was a concrete example of Canada’s renewed engagement in the Americas and how Canada is committed to promoting a more democratic, secure and prosperous hemisphere. [Spanish version]