Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s trip to the Asia-Pacific community concluded Monday, with stops in China and South Korea.

The Prime Minister’s trip comes at a time when Canada and China are commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations. Over the course of his visit to China, the Prime Minister discussed important issues such as economic recovery, trade and human rights. Prime Minister Harper continued this message when he travelled to South Korea, where he became the first Canadian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. There, the Prime Minister was able to highlight the possibilities of a strong future relationship between both countries.

While visiting China and South Korea, Prime Minister Harper:

• Announced that China has designated Canada as an Approved Destination Status, making it easier for Chinese nationals to visit Canada thus helping Canada’s tourism industry. In 2008, Chinese travellers had the highest average length of stay and spent more than visitors from any other country.
• Emphasized the importance of our countries working together to ensure recovery of the global economy.
• Declared that Canada will continue to discuss human rights while engaging in stronger economic ties with China.
• Achieved strong results for Canadian exporters by announcing six additional commercial offices in China
• Achieved strong results for Canadian farmers with China’s decision to reopen their markets to Canadian pork, which were closed due H1N1 concerns.
• Announced that Canada has regained full access to the export market of Hong Kong for our beef industry.
• Paid his respects for the Canadian soldiers who defended Hong Kong during the Second World War at Hong Kong’s Sai Wan War Cemetery.
• Visited the joint security area at Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korea to pay tribute to the 27,000 Canadians who served in the Korean War.
• Reaffirmed the need to work together to fight the global economic recession while making an address in South Korea, as our two countries prepare to host G20 Summits in 2010.

Prime Minister Harper’s visit was successful in strengthening the relationship between Canada and our partners in the Asia-Pacific community. The Conservative Government will continue to build upon our relationships on the world stage, while delivering real results for our economy and Canadians at home.