Canada attaches importance to ties with the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN), especially in trade, politics and security.
The
statement was made by Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird on occasion
of his visit to Asian countries and attendance at ASEAN-Canada
Ministerial Meeting in Myanmar.
“Canada is a Pacific nation, and
we are committed to enhancing our economic and bilateral engagement in
this region,” said Baird in the Canadian government’s press release
issued on July 30. “Strengthening commercial, political and security
ties with ASEAN and its member states remains a priority for Canada,” he
added.
He affirmed Ottawa wants to “strengthen ties to that dynamic and remarkably diverse region”.
Foreign Minister Baird is scheduled to visit Singapore, Timor-Leste and Indonesia from July 31.
Earlier from July 23-30, he visited Northeast Asian countries, including Mongolia, Japan and China.-VNA