Canada and the UK Give New Impetus to Their Relations

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, today in Denver, stated he looked forward to enhanced relations with the United Kingdom after he and British Prime Minister Tony Blair agreed to a Canada-UK Joint Declaration. The Joint Declaration follows an extensive review of Canada-UK relations and will lead to a detailed work program covering all aspects of Canada-UK bilateral relations.

"This Joint Declaration marks a new stage in Canada's relations with the United Kingdom, launching us on a progressive path toward the next millennium," stated Prime Minister Chrétien. "It will also lead to greater cooperation on multilateral and global issues."

The Joint Declaration is a formal recognition by Canada and the United Kingdom of the need to reorient their bilateral relations using new approaches and new technologies. In this context, both countries have agreed to develop a joint work program that includes the following elements:

The work program will be developed jointly by Canada and the UK in the coming months, and will be discussed by both countries' leaders when they meet next week at the special UN session on sustainable development in New York, and at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Edinburgh in October. A copy of the joint declaration is attached.

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Canada and the United Kingdom have undertaken a substantive review of their bilateral relationship. It was recognized that, although the relationship is solid and substantial, it could benefit from a process of modernization which would take into account new approaches and new technologies with a view, in particular, to broadening the range and depth of bilateral ties. It was agreed that, over the coming months, our two countries would develop a joint programme of work to accentuate further the close dialogue existing between the two Heads of Government, taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the Denver Summit (June 1997), UNGASS New York (June 1997), the CHOGM in Edinburgh (October 1997), the Birmingham Summit (May 1998), the UK Presidency of the EU in the first half of 1998, and bilateral official or working visits during the coming months. This process will provide a strong impetus that will bring the relationship into the 21st century and define a new and dynamic footing for the years beyond.

The elements of the work programme will include the following:

(1) A targeted programme of visits and meetings with clearly defined objectives will be developed for senior official and Ministerial levels with a view to providing greater structure to the bilateral relationship and a concerted focus on key issues and sectors of mutual interest (e.g. foreign affairs and defence, trade and investment, new technologies, environment, social affairs, culture). We may associate all interested participants, including the Canadian provinces and other sub-national entities in their respective areas of competence, in developing co-operation under this Declaration.

(2) Consultations will be expanded in a variety of foreign policy areas with a view to developing joint projects and initiatives. These will include human rights, global issues, defence and security co-operation, operational immigration and customs co- operation, co-operation on forestry issues, co-operation in international fora, as well as regional issues. Close co-operation will take place on Commonwealth issues, including preparing for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Edinburgh in October 1997, and implementing its conclusions.

(3) Canada and the UK will discuss ways of facilitating the implementation of all aspects of the Canada-EU Action Plan including the joint study on barriers to trade; the development of an enhanced Canada-UK business dialogue which will complement and contribute to the EU/Canada Business Dialogue; co-operation in the fight against drug trafficking and international crime; co-operation on foreign policy and security issues.

(4) Canada and the UK will enhance co-operation in seeking opportunities for joint activities and initiatives reflecting current DFAIT and DTI programmes to encourage the two-way flow of goods and services and investment capital. Particular emphasis will be placed on small and medium enterprises and on expanding business awareness of the opportunities offered by Canada and Britain as "gateways" respectively to the NAFTA and European Union markets.

(5) Our enhanced business dialogue will be developed with a view to bringing together young entrepreneurs and professionals, taking advantage of the new possibilities offered by information technologies such as the internet.

(6) New efforts will be launched to encourage science and technology partnerships between Canada and UK firms, and academic institutions, taking advantage in particular of the prospects offered under the Canada-EU Science and Technology Co-operation Agreement.

(7) Consideration will be given to enhancing bilateral military co-operation both at the policy level, especially in NATO fora, and in the area of military-to-military contacts, including defence procurement and exercises; and to maintaining the level of military exchanges.

(8) The existing annual Canada-UK Colloquium will be broadened to include younger participation and a carefully defined focus on issues of immediate concern to the bilateral agenda of both countries.

(9) Parliamentary contacts will be reinvigorated and refocussed with specific linkages being encouraged between parliamentary committees in both countries with similar mandates as well as the creation in Canada of a Canada-UK Parliamentary Association.

(10) Educational links will be promoted to include younger age groups exploiting computer link-ups through the internet. Existing exchange and scholarship programmes will be strengthened.

(11) For 1998 in particular, a programme of cultural and academic activities, including joint events, will be developed to underline and enhance the bilateral relationship, including, on the Canadian side, a particular focus on the re-opening of Canada House.

(12) A programme will be developed to encourage the greater exchange of journalists between the two countries.