PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT THE CZECH REPUBLIC

June 27, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will visit the Czech Republic on July 2 and 3, 2003. During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet with Czech President Vaclav Klaus, Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla and with the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lubomir Zaoralek. The Prime Minister will also attend the 115th Session of the International Olympic Committee on July 2, 2003.

"Canada has been a loyal friend of the Czech Republic during its transition to democracy and now in the lead-up to EU accession," said the Prime Minister. "We are committed to a continued, meaningful bilateral relationship based on shared values and I look forward to this opportunity to explore further cooperation on a range of issues."

On July 2, in Prague, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will meet to announce the venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Vancouver, British Columbia, is one of the candidate cities, along with Pyeongchang, South Korea and Salzburg, Austria. The Prime Minister will join the Canadian delegation to this meeting.

Further information on Vancouver's bid to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games can be obtained from: http://www.pch.gc.ca/2010.

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