September 25, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Chrétien today announced that he will
participate in a Canada-Central American Heads of Government meeting on
September 28 in Guatemala, as well as a Canada-Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Heads of Government Meeting in Jamaica, on September 29.
"These meetings provide Canada with the opportunity to
exchange views on hemispheric issues with regional leaders and, in particular,
to consult them on the upcoming Summit of the Americas taking place in Quebec
City next year," said the Prime Minister. "As well, we will further
explore ways that Canada can strengthen trade and investment links with Central
American and Caribbean partners."
On September 27 the Prime Minister will hold a bilateral
meeting with President Alfonso Portillo of Guatemala. On September 28, he and
his counterparts will discuss negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas,
democratic development and good governance, and debt-related issues.
In Montego Bay Jamaica, Prime Minister Chrétien and CARICOM
leaders will address regional issues including the Free Trade Area of the
Americas. They will exchange views on other issues of concern to small states
such as multilateral initiatives on offshore financial centres, international
crime and HIV/AIDS.
The Prime Minister will also discuss global issues, such as
UN reform, with his counterparts in Central America and the Caribbean.
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by International Trade
Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa,
David Kilgour.
- 30 -
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
