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Prime Minister to Attend 50th Anniversary NATO Summit
April 21, 1999
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 50th Anniversary Summit in Washington April 23- 25. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and National Defence Minister Art Eggleton.
"Canada was present at the creation of NATO in 1949. When the Western democracies came together as one to meet the threat of aggression," said the Prime Minister. "And in this year of change and challenge, we will continue to work with our allies to meet the crises of today and the future. As it adapts, continues to welcome new members and strengthens its partnerships, NATO will remain one of the foundations of stability in Europe and a central pillar of Canada's foreign and defence policies."
On April 23 the heads of state and government of the 19 NATO member countries will meet to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Alliance. Special attention will be devoted to events in Kosovo, as Canada and its allies will review the present situation and plan for the future.
On April 24, the leaders of the NATO member countries will meet in order to adopt, by consensus, the new NATO strategic concept. The members will also discuss the process for future enlargement. Canada will join with the other members of NATO and the Ukraine for the first Summit meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission.
On April 25, the NATO leaders will be meeting with their counterparts on the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) in order to establish the general principles for partnership in the 21st century.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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