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PANAMA CITY — Prime Minister Stephen Harper has a busy day ahead at the Summit of the Americas in Panama.

Harper will speak to a plenary session where he will outline his government’s goals for the hemisphere, including the promotion of human rights, security and prosperity.

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He is also expected to take part in some bilateral meetings — and would welcome a chance to meet with Cuban President Raul Castro.

Harper has had strong words in the past for the communist Cuban regime and initially opposed its participation at this year’s summit.

The Canadian government is encouraged with Cuba’s new direction as it seeks to normalize diplomatic relations with the United States, but Ottawa remains deeply concerned about human rights on the Caribbean island.

Harper will also host a reception to promote this summer’s Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, to be held in the Toronto area.