January 28, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, will visit Canada January 29-30, 2002. The President will be accompanied by government representatives and business leaders.

"Canada and the Philippines enjoy a strong and friendly relationship, enhanced by the large and vibrant Filipino community in Canada," said the Prime Minister. "We co-operate internationally, and share similar values on global issues such as terrorism and human rights. The Philippines is also an important trading partner for Canada and I look forward to meeting with President Macapagal-Arroyo to explore ways of increasing two-way trade."

The Prime Minister and President Macapagal-Arroyo will meet to discuss a number of issues of common interest, including bilateral trade and investment and the international campaign against terrorism. President Macapagal-Arroyo will also meet with the Canadian-Filipino community and Canadian business leaders in both Ottawa and Toronto.

This will be the President’s first visit to Canada as Head of State.

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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555