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President-elect of Venezuela to Visit Canada
January 14, 1999
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced today that Hugo Chávez, President-elect of Venezuela, will make a working visit to Canada on January 15 and 16.
"Canada has a busy, active role in the hemisphere," said the Prime Minister. "We are chairing negotiations on the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and will host the next Summit of the Americas. This is an excellent time to meet Mr. Chávez and to advance our countries' partnership on a variety of important regional issues."
Mr. Chávez will be accompanied by a delegation of senior officials and several individuals nominated to be ministers in his administration. The new government will take office on February 2.
On January 16, Mr. Chávez will attend various private events before meeting Prime Minister Chrétien and attending a luncheon with him.
Venezuela and Canada cooperate on a range of issues facing the countries of the hemisphere, including economic integration and efforts to combat illicit drugs.
Venezuela is Canada's second largest trade partner in South America. Bilateral trade in 1997 was valued at $1.92 billion. Canadian investment in Venezuela is also growing, mostly in the energy, banking and telecommunications sectors.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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