Prime Minister of the Czech Republic to visit Canada

"It is fitting that Prime Minister Klaus, who was a key architect of the Czech political and economic transformation, will be the first Czech Prime Minister to visit Canada since the Republic became a democracy," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "Our warm and dynamic relations with the Czech Republic hold tremendous potential for growth. I am pleased the Prime Minister will bring a strong delegation of business people to explore, in particular, how we might expand our trade and investment links."

In 1996, bilateral trade reached some $160 million, up from $138 million the previous year. Canadians have invested approximately $150 million in the Czech Republic. Canada has supported the Czech economic transition through bilateral and multilateral assistance programs. Czech and Canadian forces have served together in Bosnia in a NATO-led mission under Canadian command.

In Ottawa, Prime Minister Klaus will meet with Governor General Roméo LeBlanc, Prime Minister Chrétien, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lloyd Axworthy. In Toronto, Mr. Klaus will be the guest of Minister for International Trade Art Eggleton at a luncheon, at which he will address an audience of Canadian business people. Prime Minister Klaus will then travel to Banff, Alberta to participate in a panel discussion at the Banff Centre with senior representatives of the Canadian business community.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555


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