November 28, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chretien today announced that he will attend the
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) taking place from December 5 to
8, 2003 in Abuja, Nigeria. The theme of the conference is Development and
Democracy: Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The Prime Minister will
also visit France from December 8 to 10.
"Canada welcomes the CHOGM theme, which links the Commonwealth’s
fundamental values of democracy, human rights, good governance and sustainable
development, and underlines Canada’s view that democracy and development are
mutually reinforcing," said the Prime Minister. "These
fundamental values remain as important today as they were when the Commonwealth
adopted them in the 1991 Harare Declaration."
The Prime Minister noted how appropriate it is that President Obasanjo of
Nigeria chose this theme, because it reflects the principles of the New Plan for
Africa’s Development (NEPAD). President Obasanjo has been a leader in the
development of NEPAD, which Canada wholeheartedly supports.
In Abuja, Commonwealth leaders will discuss global political developments,
including terrorism. They will also review the recommendations of the
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, and decide the next steps in promoting
democracy, human rights and good governance in specific member countries,
including Pakistan and Zimbabwe. A broad range of global economic issues will
also be addressed, including sustainable development, poverty alleviation and
the special challenges facing small states.
Immediately preceding the CHOGM, the Prime Minister will also take part in
the Commonwealth Business Forum, which will be hosted by the Commonwealth
Business Council in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria. It brings
together more than
500 business executives and government leaders to discuss key trade and
investment issues. The forum’s theme is Achieving Sustainable Development
– Challenges for Business and Governments. The Prime Minister will speak
about the relationship between the G8 and Africa, and specifically NEPAD.
In Paris, France, the Prime Minister will meet with President Jacques Chirac
and Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin to discuss bilateral and multilateral
issues facing the two countries, as well as the Canada-France 2004 Program
which will celebrate 400 years of history and four centuries of rich and unique
ties between Canada and France.
Canada-France 1604-2004 is providing until the end of 2004 an extensive
program of cultural, scientific and professional events to raise modern-day
Canada’s profile in France, and Canada-France projects that will enhance the
dialogue and strengthen the ties between the two nations. For more information,
visit
