May 3, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will travel to Spain from May 7 to 9 to participate in the biannual Canada-European Union Summit and to advance Canada’s bilateral and commercial ties with that country. The Prime Minister will then travel to Italy on May 10, France on May 13 and the United Kingdom on May 15 for consultations in advance of the G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta on June 26 and 27.

"Relations between Canada and the European Union have benefitted citizens on both sides of the Atlantic for more than a quarter century and have never been stronger," said the Prime Minister. "This Summit will provide the opportunity to explore closer co-operation on security, trade and assistance to Africa, and to discuss areas of mutual concern, including the Middle East and the ongoing fight against terrorism."

While in Spain, the Prime Minister will meet with President of the Government José María Aznar, who visited Ottawa last May, to continue discussions on strengthening relations between the two countries, particularly in the areas of trade and human security. The Prime Minister will also participate in an investment roundtable with leading Spanish business executives and make a keynote address to a major public and private sector forum.

A Canadian business delegation will take part in the Prime Minister’s bilateral visit to Spain.

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