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Statement by the Prime Minister
August 14, 1997
Ottawa, Ontario
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien issued the following statement:
"Canada's relations with the countries of India and Pakistan have endured for fifty years now, a longevity based on our common roots, shared values and spirit of close cooperation. India and Pakistan have accomplished much in the past half-century; the famines that once wracked the subcontinent are no more; life expectancy, literacy and GDP per capita have all risen significantly. It is with no little sense of satisfaction that I note Canada's role in helping these two countries achieve these goals.
I have always believed that India and Pakistan have enormous potential, a conviction which led me to head the 1996 Team Canada mission to those countries. Since then, our commercial and bilateral relationships have continued to expand, to our mutual benefit. What is even more promising, however, are the signs of rapprochement between India and Pakistan. This is an extremely encouraging development, and I call upon the leaders of both countries to maintain the momentum toward building a peace that will last well into the centenary of their independence and beyond. Until that time, all my best wishes go with you on the fiftieth anniversary of your independence."
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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