Canada hails Brazil's first female president

MONTREAL: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Saturday congratulated Dilma Rousseff, Brazil's first woman to become president, calling her inauguration an "important event."

"On behalf of Canada, I would like to congratulate Dilma Rousseff on her inauguration today after her recent victory in the Brazilian presidential elections," Harper said in a statement.

"Canada was represented at this important event by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister for Public Works and Government Services and for Status of Women," Harper pointed out.

Harper said Canada and Brazil shared "a strong commitment to global peace and security" and worked closely together in Haiti and through international forums such as the G-20 and the OECD.

"We look forward to working with President Rousseff to continue developing our strong relationship with Brazil," Harper added.