July 17, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will
attend this year’s Group of Eight (G-8) Economic Summit in Okinawa Japan, July
21 -23, as well as a pre-summit meeting in Tokyo on July 20 organized by
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori with leaders from the developing world and
heads of international organizations.
One focus of this year’s Summit will be the challenges
facing developing countries, including poverty reduction, debt relief,
combatting infectious diseases, the benefits and impact of information and
communications technologies, and regional or civil conflicts.
"Canada’s record of achievement in these areas is very
positive. We have been among the leading proponents of debt relief, we are
pursuing an international strategy to fight HIV/AIDS, and our technological
expertise has made us one of the world’s most connected populations,"
said the Prime Minister. "In Okinawa, we will examine ways to enhance these
initiatives and make them available to more developing countries."
The G-8 leaders will also review global economic trends, the
international financial architecture, the prospect for trade negotiations,
cultural diversity, ageing, food safety and biotechnology, crime and drugs and
environmental issues.
The gathering in Okinawa marks the 25th
anniversary of the Summit process. Canada has participated in the annual
economic Summit since 1976.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
