South African President Nelson Mandela to visit Canada


September 10, 1998
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that the President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, accompanied by Madame Graça Machel, will make a state visit to Canada on September 24 and 25, upon the invitation of the Governor General Roméo LeBlanc. The two day visit will include events in Ottawa and Toronto.

"Canada is honoured by President Mandela's visit," said the Prime Minister. "He is a living symbol of the two historic movements that have defined the 20th century: equality and democracy. His time here will give Canadians a chance to applaud his extraordinary and inspirational role in South Africa's peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy; a process that Canada was an international leader in supporting. I also look forward to discussing new opportunities for expanding our bilateral relationship with the President."

President Mandela will meet with the Governor General, Prime Minister Chrétien, Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi in Ottawa on September 24. He will also address Parliament and participate in a ceremony at the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights monument.

In the morning of September 25, Mr. Mandela will attend an event at the Toronto Skydome to launch the Canadian Friends of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund . Later in the day, he will participate in the Canada - South Africa Business Summit sponsored by the High Commission for South Africa in Canada and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

The President will be accompanied on his visit by South African Minister of Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, South African Minister for Health Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, South African Minister of Safety and Security Sidney Mufamadi and Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad. Mr. Manuel is expected to meet with International Trade Minister Marchi, Minister of Industry John Manley and Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour, along with a number of Canadian business leaders.

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