40th Annual Washington Conference Renews Hemispheric Agenda

May 12, 2010

“Strong and transparent democracies continue to flourish in the hemisphere. We see successful democratic transitions throughout the region and celebrate that this has become the norm.”
-Ambassador John Negroponte

Council of the Americas held its 40th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas at the Department of State on Wednesday, hosting a powerful roster of leaders who addressed topics including trade and investment opportunities, public security, and increased hemispheric cooperation.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opened the conference speaking on issues of central importance to the Obama administration. She emphasized the need for increased trade in the hemisphere, saying “Our commitment to trade is one that we feel strongly about…We need more strong advocacy on behalf of the importance of trade and why it is good for the United States and American workers.”

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon also focused on the importance of open markets, saying, “Protectionism is the single biggest threat to a thriving global economy, and free trade is the only viable alternative to protectionism.”

A conference highlight was a discussion moderated by Council of the Americas Chairman Ambassador John Negroponte featuring the foreign ministers of Brazil, Colombia, Panama, and Peru, during which Ambassador Negroponte noted democratic strides in the Americas: “Strong and transparent democracies continue to flourish in the hemisphere. We see successful democratic transitions throughout the region and celebrate that this has become the norm.”

The conference concluded with a keynote address by U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, who highlighted the invaluable contributions of immigrant workers and stressed the need for immigration reform at the federal level.

Learn more about the 40th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas and read summaries of its programs here.



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