PRESIDENT OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO VISIT CANADA

November 5, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that the President of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Hipólito Mejía Dominguez, will visit Ottawa on November 5 and 6.

"The Dominican Republic is a significant Canadian partner in the hemisphere," said the Prime Minister. "Our two countries have worked very closely on implementing the commitments of the 2001 Summit of the Americas. I also look forward to continuing our previous discussions, most recently at the 2002 Monterrey International Conference on Financing for Development."

In their meeting on November 6, the two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral trade and investment, including the prospect of a Canada-Dominican Republic free trade agreement. President Mejía will also meet Canadian business representatives to discuss investment opportunities and the business climate in the Dominican Republic.

The President will be accompanied by Hugo Tolentino, Secretary of State for Foreign Relations, and Rafael Calderón, Technical Secretary of the Presidency, who is also responsible for planning and external cooperation.

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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555