June 18, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will travel to Stockholm, Sweden June 20-22 to attend the Canada-European Union (EU) Summit. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister John Manley and Minister for International Trade, Pierre Pettigrew.

"This year we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Canada’s formal relations with what is now the European Union," said the Prime Minister. "Originally a trade relationship, it now covers dialogue and cooperation on a wide spectrum of foreign and economic policy issues. With our shared values, Canadians and Europeans are able to work closely together in responding to global issues and building bilateral cooperation. The Summit in Stockholm will provide an excellent opportunity for renewing our close cooperation."

The European Union delegation to the Summit will be led jointly by the Prime Minister of Sweden, Göran Persson, representing the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi.

Twice annual Canada-EU Summits allow leaders to exchange views on international issues and identify new opportunities for Canada-EU collaboration. The leaders will discuss key political and economic matters such as non-proliferation and arms control, cooperation in UN fora on human security issues, the World Trade Organization, northern cooperation, and the EU-Canada Trade Initiative.

Sweden currently holds the rotational six-month Presidency of the European Council, which began on January 1, 2001. Belgium will assume the Presidency on July 1, 2001.

While in Stockholm, the Prime Minister will meet with His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden. He will also use the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Persson to discuss Canada-Sweden bilateral issues.