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PRIME MINISTER CHRÉTIEN TO ATTEND CANADA-EU
AND G8 SUMMITS, THE ST. PETERSBURG ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AND THE JUNO BEACH
CENTRE OPENING
May 23, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Chrétien today announced that he will be participating in the
Canada-EU Summit in Athens, Greece (May 28-29), 300th Anniversary celebrations
in St-Petersburg, Russia (May 29-June 1), the G8 Summit in Evian, France (June
1-3) and the official opening of the Juno Beach Centre, in Normandy, France
(June 6).
"The economic, security and development challenges facing the world
today make it more important than ever for Canada, the European Union and other
G8 members to agree to collective action on a number of emerging and existing
issues," said the Prime Minister. "I am pleased with Canada's progress
in fulfilling commitments made at last year's G8 Summit in Kananaskis on the G8
Africa Action Plan and the ongoing international campaign against
terrorism."
At the Canada-EU Summit in Athens, Prime Minister Chrétien will meet with
Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and President of the European Commission,
Romano Prodi. Greece currently holds the presidency of the Council of the
European Union. Discussions will focus on a broad range of topics including
trans-Atlantic trade and investment relations, Iraq, the Middle East Peace
Process and the ongoing global campaign against terrorism. The Prime Minister
will also meet with Greek President Constantinos Stephanopoulos to discuss
bilateral relations and deliver a keynote address to a business forum.
In St-Petersburg, the Prime Minister will join many international leaders in
celebrating the 300th anniversary of the founding of that city which served as
Russia's capital from 1712 to 1918.
In Evian, the Prime Minister and other G8 leaders will focus discussions on
three principal areas, namely strengthening the global economy and promoting
sustainable development and international security. Leaders are expected to
discuss progress since the Kananaskis G8 Summit on implementing the G8 Global
Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction and
the G8 Africa Action Plan as well as the New Partnership for Africa's
Development. NEPAD is a comprehensive plan developed by African leaders to
address the continent's key social, economic, and political priorities. African
leaders will join part of the discussions on Africa again this year.
The Prime Minister will participate in the official opening of the Juno Beach
Centre, which recognizes Canada's military and civilian contributions to the
Second World War and provides a forum for visitors to learn more about Canada.
To date the Government is contributing over $4 million towards the centre.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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