Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement at the close of the 2009 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit:
“While Canada’s economy was built through trans-Atlantic trade, our future prosperity will increasingly depend on our ties to the Pacific. The region is home to some of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing economies.
“Our discussions underscored the importance of continued cooperation on Canada’s number one priority – responding to the global economic downturn.
“Since last year’s Summit, we have focussed on resisting protectionism, reforming the global financial system and stimulating our economies, which have helped set the stage for recovery.
“Leaders also met and agreed on the need to keep focussed on the problem of climate change. Although we do not expect to get a legally binding agreement, progress can still be made at Copenhagen.
“I met with several fellow leaders, including Prime Ministers Key of New Zealand, Hatoyama of Japan and Rudd of Australia as well as Presidents Obama of the United States, Triết of Vietnam and Medvedev of Russia.
“Looking forward, we will work closely with South Korea to deliver successful G-20 Summits in 2010 that follow up on commitments made in Pittsburgh, London and Washington.”
