President Agrees to Advance Security, Energy, Economic Goals at Summit of the Americas
The President issued a press release at the conclusion of the Summit of the Americas, which was held on April 17-19, 2009, in which he announced measures of the Summit that reinforce the U.S. commitment to work jointly to advance the goals agreed to at the Summit. Highlights of those measures include (partial list):
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Caribbean Basin security dialogue. President Obama announced that he would engage the Caribbean Community member states and the Dominican Republic in a strategic security dialogue with the intent of developing a joint security strategy, which may include future increased financial and technical assistance to address shared challenges such as transnational crime, illicit trafficking, and maritime and aviation security.
Energy and climate partnership of the Americas. President Obama invited countries of the region to participate in an Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas; a voluntary and flexible framework for advancing energy security and combating climate change. Countries will be encouraged to suggest tangible ideas for cooperation, including on energy efficiency, renewable energy, cleaner fossil fuels, and energy infrastructure. President Obama also asked Secretary of Energy Chu to advance further cooperation with his counterparts this June in Peru at the Americas Energy Symposium.
Global climate change. President Obama expressed his commitment to working with his regional counterparts toward a strong international climate agreement at Copenhagen. He will also work closely with Brazil, Canada, and Mexico through the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate.
Firearms trafficking.President Obama announced his commitment to seek ratification of the Convention on Illicit Trafficking in Firearms Convention (CIFTA) in 2009, and offering technical assistance to trace illicit firearms and control, store, or destroy excess national stockpiles.
Economic recovery. President Obama led efforts to triple the size of a reformed International Monetary Fund, which will have significant impact on emerging markets in the region. The U.S. also supported expanding the Inter-American Development Bank's short term crisis response through changes in lending limits and capital ratios.
Microfinance growth fund for the western hemisphere.The President announced a new partnership of the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) for the purpose of launching a fund that will provide stable sources of finance to microfinance institutions and microfinance investment vehicles to help rebuild their capacity to lend during this difficult period and to increase the supply of finance for micro and small businesses as recovery takes hold.
White House press release (dated 04/19/09) available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/The-United-States-and-the-2009-Summit-of-the-Americas-Securing-Our-Citizens-Future/