Speaking at the 2009 Latin American Cities Conference in Santiago, Canadian Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty emphasized the importance of inter-American cooperation for economic recovery and said that the success of Ottowa's free trade agreement with Chile demonstrates Canada's increasing ties with the region.

In her Introductory remarks at the annual Santiago de Chile Conference, AS/COA's Susan Segal said that in the face of the global economic downturn, Chile's successes provide a strong example of the importance of free trade. (en espanol)

During the annual Bogotá City Conference, AS/COA's Susan Segal discussed the global financial situation, the Colombian economy's expected growth, and COA's commitment to supporting free trade polivies during economic recovery. (en español)

Speaking at the 2009 Latin American Cities Conference in São Paulo, U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Clifford Sobel outlined the advances in the U.S.-Brazil relations in recent years and how the Obama administration envisions future partnerships with its Brazilian counterparts.

In opening remarks at the annual São Paulo Conference, AS/COA's Susan Segal said Brazil has been at the forefront of recovery from the global economic downturn.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg outlined the Obama administration’s new approach to the Americas, which rests on two pillars: democratic governance and inclusive prosperity. As part of this, the United States “has a responsibility to exercise responsible leadership.”