Minister Joly to participate in General Assembly of Organization of American States

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

June 21, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today that she will participate in the 53rd Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., from June 21 to 22, 2023.  

Minister Joly will meet with her counterparts to highlight the importance of cooperating on priority issues for the Americas, including the defence and strengthening of democracy; the protection and promotion of human rights; and the advancement of gender equality, inclusion and respect for diversity. Minister Joly will also discuss Canada’s support to the international response to the ongoing security and humanitarian crises in Haiti and Nicaragua.  

Through her participation at the general assembly, Minister Joly will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to engaging with the OAS as a key multilateral vehicle for Canada to increase mutual economic opportunity, strengthen security and institutions, and foster lasting relationships with our counterparts in the hemisphere.

Quotes

“We are gathered for this important general assembly at a time of significant geopolitical turbulence and uncertainty. In times like these, we need more multilateralism, not less, and I am looking forward to working with my counterparts from across the hemisphere to build a more secure, stable, and prosperous region for all of our citizens.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • Held annually, the general assembly is attended by foreign ministers from the Americas and is the primary decision-making body of the OAS.

  • The OAS is the oldest regional organization in the world; it was founded in 1948 and is built on 4 pillars: democracy, human rights, security and development.

  • Canada became a full member of the OAS in 1990 and is the third-largest contributor to the organization.

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Contacts

Maéva Proteau
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Maeva.Proteau@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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