December 18, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien saluted Canada’s growing relationship with the European Union (EU) at the closing of the Canada-EU Summit held today in Ottawa. The Prime Minister of Belgium and President of the Council of the European Union, Guy Verhofstadt, and the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi represented the EU at the Summit.

"Canada is proud to have developed a solid and growing relationship with the EU over the past 25 years," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "The world sees the European Union as a political and economic success story. As friends and partners, we share in that success and are determined to work together for the benefit of all our citizens."

Following the Ottawa meeting, the leaders issued a joint statement highlighting the breadth and depth of the Canada-EU relationship after 25 years of cooperation.

The statement reaffirms the commitment of the two parties to fight terrorism with a wide range of measures such as strengthening the ties between their judicial and law enforcement agencies. It also highlights areas for closer cooperation, notably disarmament, security, defence and assistance to Africa. In their statement, the leaders also agreed to work together to advance trade negotiations within the WTO and to explore ways to expand the Canada-EU trade relationship.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of formal Canada-EU cooperation under a framework agreement signed in 1976. Several cultural events have been organized over the year in Canada and in many European countries to celebrate the anniversary.

Canada-EU Summits are held twice yearly, in addition to regularly scheduled meetings at the ministerial and senior official levels. Belgium currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union until December 31, 2001. Spain will then take over the presidency for the following six months.

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PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555

The full statement can be found at the following web site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/english/geo/europe/EU/Eumainpage2english.html