December 18, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien saluted Canada’s growing relationship with
the European Union (EU) at the closing of the Canada-EU Summit held today in
Ottawa. The Prime Minister of Belgium and President of the Council of the
European Union, Guy Verhofstadt, and the President of the European
Commission, Romano Prodi represented the EU at the Summit.
"Canada is proud to have developed a solid and growing relationship with
the EU over the past 25 years," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "The
world sees the European Union as a political and economic success story. As
friends and partners, we share in that success and are determined to work
together for the benefit of all our citizens."
Following the Ottawa meeting, the leaders issued a joint statement
highlighting the breadth and depth of the Canada-EU relationship after 25 years
of cooperation.
The statement reaffirms the commitment of the two parties to fight terrorism
with a wide range of measures such as strengthening the ties between their
judicial and law enforcement agencies. It also highlights areas for closer
cooperation, notably disarmament, security, defence and assistance to Africa. In
their statement, the leaders also agreed to work together to advance trade
negotiations within the WTO and to explore ways to expand the Canada-EU trade
relationship.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of formal Canada-EU cooperation under a
framework agreement signed in 1976. Several cultural events have been organized
over the year in Canada and in many European countries to celebrate the
anniversary.
Canada-EU Summits are held twice yearly, in addition to regularly scheduled
meetings at the ministerial and senior official levels. Belgium currently holds
the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union until December 31,
2001. Spain will then take over the presidency for the following six months.
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PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555
The full statement can be found at the following web site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/english/geo/europe/EU/Eumainpage2english.html
