PM to participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from November 27 to 29.

Leaders will have the opportunity to discuss a number of global and Commonwealth issues, including democracy and sustainable development, recent political and economic developments as well as climate change.

“Since the last Commonwealth meeting in 2007, the international community has come together to deal with the worst global financial crisis since World War II,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “Our ability to build a lasting recovery over the long-term is directly tied to the partnerships we pursue around the world.”

While in Trinidad and Tobago, the Prime Minister will also have a number of bilateral meetings.  He will be accompanied by Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas).

“Our relationships with Commonwealth countries provide Canada with an important opportunity to explore our shared core values of promoting the pursuit of democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law,” added the Prime Minister.

Founded in 1931, the Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 diverse, independent countries that interact through a network of governmental and non-governmental links.  Commonwealth countries have almost two billion citizens, making up 30 per cent of the world’s population.  Because the group’s members are from many regions of the world and have varying levels of development, the Commonwealth helps broaden international understanding and consensus.

Canada and Trinidad and Tobago have a long-standing relationship.  The two countries cooperate on regional and global issues, particularly at the Organization of American States, the Summit of the Americas and the United Nations.  Trinidad and Tobago is a key partner with Canada in promoting democracy, economic competitiveness and peace and security in the Americas.