Lebanese Prime Minister to visit Canada

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the official visit to Canada of Rafik Al-Hariri, Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic, from April 10 to 14.

"It is a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Al-Hariri, the first Lebanese Prime Minister to ever visit Canada. Canada and Lebanon share a mutual interest in creating a stronger more prosperous Lebanon and a commitment to the pursuit of peace in the Middle East," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "Canada looks forward to assisting Lebanon in its reconstruction efforts. We believe that stimulating trade and investment is the best way to contribute to rebuilding Lebanon's infrastructure and to support the creation of jobs and growth in our countries."

In Ottawa, Prime Minister Al-Hariri will meet with Prime Minister Chrétien, as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, International Trade Minister Art Eggleton and Minister for International Cooperation and Minister Responsible for la Francophonie Don Boudria. Discussions will focus on issues of mutual interest including peace and security in the Middle East and expanding trade and investment. Prime Minister Al-Hariri will also visit the National Control Centre of Canada Post, and receive an Honourary degree from the University of Ottawa.

From Ottawa, Prime Minister Al-Hariri travels to Edmonton where he will meet with Natural Resources Minister Anne McLellan. He then travels to Montreal where he will meet Finance Minister Paul Martin. On April 14, he will deliver a keynote address at the Canadian-Lebanon Partnership '97 business conference. While in Montreal, Prime Minister Al-Hariri will receive an Honourary degree from the University of Montreal.

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