PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL TO VISIT CANADA

March 5, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced today that the President of the State of Israel, Moshe Katsav, will visit Canada from March 5 to 8, 2002, at the invitation of Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

"In these troubled times in the Middle East and around the world, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to peace, security and stability," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "President Katsav’s visit will give us the opportunity to express our continued support and encouragement for all efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in the Middle East. I also look forward to this occasion to highlight the deep and strong friendship between our two countries – a relationship that continues to evolve as we mark the fifth anniversary of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Israel."

During his visit, President Katsav will meet with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Speaker of the House of Commons. An Israeli business delegation will travel with the President and participate in a series of exchanges with Canadian firms with a view to developing business partnerships and promoting investment between the two countries.

Canada and Israel have a growing trade relationship, with two-way trade exceeding $950 million in 2001. This represents an increase of more than 100 per cent since the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 1997.

This will be the President’s first visit to Canada as Head of State.

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PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555