Baird to Visit Russia and India

StarBuzz, Toronto-

September 4, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird will travel to Russia and India from September 4 to 12, 2012.

Baird will begin his trip in Vladivostok, Russia, at the 24th APEC Ministerial Meeting, where he will engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions with members of one of the world’s largest economic zones.

“Our government is pursuing the most ambitious trade expansion plan in our country’s history,” said Baird. “We’re aiming to deepen trade and investment ties with large, dynamic and high-growth markets around the world.”

The Minister will spend three days in India, visiting Mumbai and New Delhi. He will meet with Indian leaders, including his counterpart, S.M. Krishna, Minister of External Affairs, and representatives of Canadian and Indian businesses.

“The objective of the India trip is to deepen an already-strong relationship between our two countries,” said Baird. “Canada remains deeply committed to the negotiations toward the Canada-India comprehensive economic partnership agreement, the administrative arrangements to the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and the audiovisual co-production agreement. This visit signals a strong commitment to completing these important initiatives.”

The Minister will also further advance Canadian interests in educational cooperation, trade and investment, global and regional security, and governance issues.

This is Baird’s first visit to India as foreign affairs minister.