United States

During his first official international visit in Ottawa, President Obama struck a cordial tone on trade and announced a new environmental initiative on clean energy with Canadian Prime Minister Stephan Harper. Both leaders underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation to face the economic crisis.

AS/COA hosted a pre-trip videoconference and panel discussion for media and the public in anticipation of President Obama´s first international trip. The February 19, 7-hour visit to Ottawa, Canada, included meetings with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other Canadian officials.

President Obama’s first official foreign visit to Canada on February 18 hasn’t garnered much attention in the press. Yet Canada is the United States' largest trading partner, strategic energy supplier, and plays a decisive role in the war in Afghanistan. The AQ blog discusses why it maybe the time to start paying attention.

This report, the result of work by four working groups, looks at practical policy options in security cooperation, economic integration, immigration, and border management for forging a better relationship with Mexico.

COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth provided testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, suggesting ways to foment a mutually beneficial agenda in Latin America. He emphasized the importance of resisting investment protectionism and prioritizing U.S. relations with Mexico and Brazil.

Washington and Madrid should sieze on the chance to collaborate on Latin America policy. "[W]ith foresight, nuance, creativity, and a little good fortune, this is an emerging partnership whose time may very well have come," writes Farnsworth.

The April Summit of the Americas will provide a clue to President Barack Obama’s Latin America policy.