1/24/2013 7:19:29 PM

January 21, 2013
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the ceremony marking the inauguration of Barack Obama to a second term as the 44th President of the United States of America.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my sincere congratulations to Barack Obama as he is sworn in for a second term as President of the United States of America.

"President Obama and I have worked very closely over the past four years, on promoting jobs, growth and prosperity and on international peace and security issues, and I look forward to strengthening our productive working relationship.

"The long-standing partnership between our two countries is defined by so many commonalities: we share the world's largest trading relationship, the world's longest undefended border, and a deep mutual commitment to promoting freedom, human rights and the rule of law around the world.

"The success of the Canada-U.S. relationship is unrivaled, and I wish President Obama and his administration well as they embark on their second term in office."