· By reinforcing and interlinking the various funding initiatives at its disposal (European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund, Cohesion Fund, European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) the EU can have a positive impact on the development of the Arctic for the benefit of local communities and indigenous peoples.

Takes note of Turkey’s increasingly active foreign policy aimed at strengthening its role as regional player; urges the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to take this dimension fully into consideration and engage with Turkey with a view to the coordination of objectives and the proper promotion of EU interests; calls on the Turkish Government to step up its foreign policy coordination with the EU; welcomes, in principle, the recently pronounced ‘zero-problems’ policy in respect of Turkey’s neighbours but points out the need to maintain Turkey’s unambiguous commi ...[+++]tment to our common European values and interests; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to intensify the existing dialogue with Turkey on foreign policy issues of mutual interest; in light of the inspiration Turkey provides to many in the Arab world, as a secular democracy with a majority Muslim population, strongly encourages the pursuit of concerted efforts in support of democratisation and development in the Middle East and Northern Africa;

One other point I would make is this: I am a member of the Delegation for relations with Canada, and we could also establish a collegial approach with Canada and like-minded countries to ensure fair play for the High North, and particularly the indigenous people.

In the framework of future cooperation, the European Commission and Canada agreed to consider jointly supporting a conference and a number of related activities on the relationship between forestry, sustainable development and indigenous peoples.

AANDC supports Aboriginal peoples, First Nations, Inuit and Metis and northerners in their efforts to improve social well-being and economic prosperity, to develop healthier more sustainable communities and to participate in Canada's political, social and economic development.

Susan MacGowan, Chief Financial Officer, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada: Mr. Chair, thank you for the opportunity to discuss Supplementary Estimates (A) for fiscal year 2013-14 for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.