December 7, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Kasyanov, will visit Canada from December 9 to 11, 2001.

"This is an exciting time for Canada-Russia relations, " said Prime Minister Chrétien. "Our co-operation is growing on a number of fronts, including trade, the Arctic and the North and international security. I look forward to discussing with Prime Minister Kasynanov how both of our countries can build on this momentum. This visit will also help lay the ground for the Team Canada mission to Moscow in February 2002."

While in Ottawa, Prime Minister Kasyanov will meet with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and other Cabinet Ministers as well as the Speakers of the Senate and House of Commons. He will also participate in a wreath laying ceremony and address the North to North Symposium, a high level forum that discusses Canada-Russia co-operation on northern issues. In Montreal, on December 11, the Russian Prime Minister will meet with International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Canadian business representatives.

In 2000, Canada’s two-way trade with Russia reached nearly $870 million. Major Canadian exports to Russia include oil and gas equipment, building products, tobacco, and pork products, while major Canadian imports are crude oil, iron and steel, base metals, fish and seafood, and precious metals. About 50 Canadian companies have a permanent presence in Russia.

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PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555