In observance of the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada relations, Philippine Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan led the ASEAN Committee in Ottawa (ACO) in hosting a celebratory luncheon with distinguished members of the Canadian parliament on 14 March 2012 at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa.
Foreign Minister John Baird and Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan (center) are flanked by resident ASEAN Heads of Mission and key Members of Parliament
A historic first, Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing seven (7) resident ASEAN diplomatic missions collectively interfaced with key Canadian legislators including the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
(Top) Amb. Gatan confers with FM Baird and (Bottom) leads his colleagues in engaging Canadian Members of Parliament
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Gatan acquainted the Canadian guests with the history of ASEAN as well as political and economic links between the region and Canada. He expressed the hope that the parliaments of ASEAN and Canada will “play an important complementary role in creating a more vibrant relationship nurtured by mutual understanding and mutual respect.”
In the context of expanding ASEAN-Canada economic relations, Foreign Minister Baird affirmed that ASEAN was a “big priority” for Canada and for him personally. He recognized the usefulness of high-level meetings that allow him to engage his counterparts in the region. Minister Baird also recalled his recent visit to Myanmar, the first by a Canadian foreign minister. He expressed the hope that democratic reforms will continue in Myanmar and that the impending by-elections would be a success.
35th ASEAN-Canada Anniversary Luncheon with Members of Parliament
Among other members of parliament who took part in the luncheon were Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs), Mr. Gerald Keddy (Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade), Mr. Don Davies (Chair, Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group), Mr. Andrew Saxton (MP, North Vancouver), Mr. Gary Schellenberger (MP, Perth-Wellington), Mr. Jay Aspin (MP, Nipissing-Timiskaming), Mr. Patrick Brown (MP, Barrie), Mr. Mike Wallace (MP, Wellington) and the honourable Senators Mac Harb, Vivienne Poy, and Marie-P. Poulin.
The ACO continues to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) on an anniversary program that includes an official reception hosted by the Canadian government, the visit of ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan and an ASEAN Festival, among other commemorative events.
Resident Heads of Mission representing Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand comprise the ACO.