Ottawa, February 2, 2012
2012-012

Archived - Minister of Finance Concludes Middle East Visit Aimed at Stronger Relations and Increased Trade

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today concluded a visit to Israel and the West Bank that featured meetings with high-level officials as well as banking and business leaders from the region.

“This visit has been an invaluable opportunity to share perspectives on issues of mutual interest, including trade and investment, as well as innovative approaches to support research and development and venture capital,” said Minister Flaherty.

Minister Flaherty, along with the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel.

They also met with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, and Salam Fayyad, Prime Minister and Finance Minister of the Palestinian Authority, in Ramallah. While there, Minister Flaherty also sat down with the Governor of the Palestine Monetary Authority, Jihad Al-Wazir.

Minister Flaherty also attended meetings with Israeli Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, the Governor of the Bank of Israel, Stanley Fischer, and Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour, Avi Hasson.

“This visit has strengthened our mutual commitment to building a better future,” said Minister Flaherty. “The many opportunities to discuss the issues that link us have made for a highly constructive visit.”

For further information, media may contact:

Mary Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861

Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080

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