Minister Oda Visits Colombia

Colombia - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, was in Colombia today to meet with key government officials, Canadian and International partners and to visit various development projects funded by the Government of Canada.

In Bogota, Minister Oda met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fernando Araujo, to discuss foreign affairs and international development cooperation, focusing on the protection of children. Canada is the lead donor in child protection in Colombia.

She also met with the Vice-President of the Republic of Colombia, Mr. Francisco Santos to discuss human rights, mine action and youth participation programs.

She also had discussions with a variety of partners including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

Minister Oda visited a project funded by the Government of Canada in Soacha, a poor neighborhood with a large number of internally displaced people. This UNHCR project focuses on providing basic services such as education, health, housing and income generation. The Minister also met with representatives from a variety of community groups including Afro-Colombian, youth and women.

Minister Oda's visit follows Prime Minister Harper's visit to Colombia and the region in July 2007. During his visit the Prime Minister promoted the Canadian fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights ad the rule of law, and articulated Canada's commitment to deepen our relationship with the Americas.

Photo Gallery: Minister's Visit to Peru and Colombia

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Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238

Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca