May 9, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, will make a state visit to Canada from May 11-15, at the invitation of Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. President Obasanjo will be accompanied by senior ministers of his government and two state governors.

"In the context of democratic reform and renewal championed by President Obasanjo, Canada and Nigeria have recently renewed our friendship," said the Prime Minister. "We have reaffirmed our shared commitment to a wide range of goals such as good governance, international peace, and human development. I had the opportunity to meet with President Obasanjo last November during my visit to Nigeria and I look forward to this follow-up meeting to exchange views on how we can enhance the ties between our countries."

The Prime Minister will meet with President Obasanjo in Ottawa on May 12 to discuss trade and investment, development cooperation, as well as cooperation in international fora such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth and peacekeeping. While in Ottawa, Mr. Obasanjo will also meet with Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

From May 13 to 15, President Obasanjo will travel to Toronto and Montreal, where he will meet with representatives of a number of Canadian companies and the Nigerian-Canadian community. In Montreal, he will deliver a keynote address to the Conférence de Montréal, which this year brings together delegates from Africa and the Middle East to discuss development, trade and the economy.

-30-

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555