December 16, 2014 – “North American energy independence and security are within reach, and we are proud to be a part of the strategic trilateral agenda in support of this attainable goal,” said Greg Rickford, Canada’s minister of Natural Resources, at the meeting of North American Energy Ministers.

The ministers—which included Rickford along with his American and Mexican counterparts, Dr. Ernest Moniz and Pedro Joaquin Coldwell, respectively—agreed to strengthen government-to-government relationships and support business-to-business engagement in the energy sector. They formalized trilateral cooperation in several strategic areas, including:

“Modern, resilient energy infrastructure for North America in all aspects: physical infrastructure as well as institutional infrastructure, such as policies, regulations, workforce, innovation, practices to promote energy-efficient goods and services, and sustainable technologies.”

Rickford and Moniz recently enhanced bilateral cooperation in 11 areas by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Canada–U.S. energy cooperation back in September.

“North America is a secure, responsible and reliable producer and supplier of energy. We have deeply integrated economies, abundant reserves, shared critical energy infrastructure and common values that underpin our strong collaboration,” said Rickford.

PHOTO: Greg Rickford, Canada’s minister of natural resources (far right); Dr. Ernest Moniz, U.S. secretary of energy (far left); and Pedro Joaquin Coldwell, Mexico’s secretary of energy (centre), discuss strategic vision for North America’s energy sector on December 15, 2014. Photo CNW Group/Natural Resources Canada.