Hussen Backs Stronger Indo-Pacific Partnerships

Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, concluded a productive visit to Bangladesh and Indonesia, reinforcing Canada's commitment to sustainable development, climate action and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and countries in the broader Indo-Pacific region. These development initiatives strengthen local communities while benefiting the global economy and Canada's security and prosperity.

During his visit, Minister Hussen announced a total of $56.8 million in new development and humanitarian funding to strengthen shared priorities, such as providing essential healthcare services and alleviating food insecurity, reducing the risk of disease epidemics, strengthening women's rights and lifting the most vulnerable communities out of poverty. Canada's contributions to these initiatives help save lives and make a meaningful difference in creating a safer, fairer, and healthier world, while advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

The Minister's visit reflects Canada's commitment to expanding partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region and supporting development initiatives that align with local priorities and Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy and Indo-Pacific Strategy.

While in Bangladesh, Minister Hussen engaged with key government officials and development partners to advance shared priorities. In Dhaka, he met with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's Interim Government, and Touhid Hossain, Adviser for Foreign Affairs, to discuss democratic governance, shared prosperity and Canada's support for human rights and social inclusion. He also engaged with representatives of the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on Bangladesh's development trajectory and the ongoing Rohingya refugee response. Minister Hussen received updates from Bangladeshi development leaders on Canada's partnerships in health, the rights of women and minorities and governance reforms.

Minister Hussen also traveled to Cox's Bazar to visit projects funded by Canada, including income-generating agricultural activities for host communities; an innovative system for accessing fresh and local produce; and programs providing education, skills training and a health centre in a Rohingya refugee camp that provides essential life-saving care for Rohingya refugees. Canada remains a steadfast partner in addressing the Rohingya crisis and pursuing durable solutions for displaced populations in the region.

In Indonesia, the Minister strengthened Canada's collaboration with the Government of Indonesia and with ASEAN. He met with Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Indonesia's Minister of Environment, and Rachmat Pambudy, Minister for National Development Planning, to discuss deepening cooperation on climate action, economic development and inclusive growth. He also met with Canadian companies to better understand the private sector context and discuss opportunities for Canadian businesses to grow in Indonesia. These discussions highlighted Canada's commitment to working alongside Indonesia to address global challenges, including climate change and gender equality.

Minister Hussen also met with Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and the members of the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives to reinforce Canada's strategic partnership with ASEAN. Canada's engagement with ASEAN is a key element of its Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to foster economic and development cooperation, regional stability and resilience.

Throughout his visit, Minister Hussen highlighted Canada's leadership in international development and humanitarian efforts, reaffirming its commitment to working with ASEAN to build a more sustainable and prosperous future.

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