Ambassador Kirk arrived back in Washington, D.C. today after attending the 33rd Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting in Bali, Indonesia. While in Bali, Ambassador Kirk met with a number of Cairns Group ministers and other attendees to discuss U.S. agricultural trade policies.
He issued the following statement at the conclusion of the Ministerial:
"The 33rd Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting has been, in my view, a very productive three days. In plurilateral and bilateral meetings, I have discussed a number of trade issues important to the Cairns ministers and to the United States. As you can imagine, few issues have been more important in our talks than the Doha round of world trade talks, and the importance that all of us place on meaningful market openings for agriculture as we proceed.
This week in Bali, I have reiterated the U.S. commitment to a successful conclusion to the Doha round.
To the United States, a successful conclusion will mean an ambitious and balanced result with new market openings for all, and significant contributions to global economic recovery and long-term economic growth and development.
While we should not discard the progress made to date in the Doha round, we must consider new ideas to get these talks moving again. It will take some creativity, and quiet and informal work by ministers and by senior officials. Some countries have already begun offering suggestions to adjust the process.
The United States will continue to work with Cairns Group members and with all of our partners in the World Trade Organization to explore solutions, and ultimately to reach consensus on how to put the Doha negotiations on a path to success."
