Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, left, and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry shake hands prior to a meeting on the sideline of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. The world's financial and political elite will head this week to the Swiss Alps for a gathering of the World Economic Forum at the Swiss ski resort of Davos. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, Pool)
January 24, 2015 - 9:58 AM
DAVOS, Switzerland - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and his American counterpart discussed a number of issues Saturday at the World Economic Forum.
Baird met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on the margins of the forum in Davos, Switzerland.
A statement says their talks ranged from the United States' re-engagement in Cuba to the fight against ISIL, the Palestinian Authority's attempt to join the International Criminal Court and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and investment negotiations.
The statement says Kerry gave thanks for Canada's help in the negotiations with Cuba, which led to last month's announcement that the U.S. and Cuba will normalize relations after more than 50 years of hostility.
On the issue of ISIL, the two talked about the contributions being made by Canada and the United States against the group. Canadian aircraft are involved in bombing missions in Iraq and special forces are helping Iraqi forces and guiding air strikes.
The statement says there will be a meeting of foreign affairs ministers in Boston at the end of the month.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2015