Ottawa – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 53rd Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC, from June 21 to 22, 2023.
Minister Joly met 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 also discussed 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 reaffirmed 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.
“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