Contributions from Carin Zissis
President George W. Bush, speaking at the COA’s annual Washington Conference on the Americas, delivered a major policy speech on the U.S. role in the Western Hemisphere. “The foundation of a good foreign policy is good relations with your neighbors,” said the president, outlining priorities issues for U.S.-Latin American relations.
Peru's Finance Minister Luis Carranza Ugarte spoke at COA's 38th Washington Conference on the Americas, discussed his recent impressive growth as well as the obstacles to consolidating such gains. “Only through poverty reduction will we be able to consolidate our democratic system," said Carranza.
With a focus on North American collaboration, Canada’s Minister of Industry Jim Prentice highlighted opportunities to improve cross-border trade flows, boost infrastructure, and enhance energy security during his remarks at COA's Washington Conference.