November 28, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chretien today announced that he will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) taking place from December 5 to 8, 2003 in Abuja, Nigeria. The theme of the conference is Development and Democracy: Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The Prime Minister will also visit France from December 8 to 10.

"Canada welcomes the CHOGM theme, which links the Commonwealth’s fundamental values of democracy, human rights, good governance and sustainable development, and underlines Canada’s view that democracy and development are mutually reinforcing," said the Prime Minister. "These fundamental values remain as important today as they were when the Commonwealth adopted them in the 1991 Harare Declaration."

The Prime Minister noted how appropriate it is that President Obasanjo of Nigeria chose this theme, because it reflects the principles of the New Plan for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). President Obasanjo has been a leader in the development of NEPAD, which Canada wholeheartedly supports.

In Abuja, Commonwealth leaders will discuss global political developments, including terrorism. They will also review the recommendations of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, and decide the next steps in promoting democracy, human rights and good governance in specific member countries, including Pakistan and Zimbabwe. A broad range of global economic issues will also be addressed, including sustainable development, poverty alleviation and the special challenges facing small states.

Immediately preceding the CHOGM, the Prime Minister will also take part in the Commonwealth Business Forum, which will be hosted by the Commonwealth Business Council in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria. It brings together more than

500 business executives and government leaders to discuss key trade and investment issues. The forum’s theme is Achieving Sustainable Development – Challenges for Business and Governments. The Prime Minister will speak about the relationship between the G8 and Africa, and specifically NEPAD.

In Paris, France, the Prime Minister will meet with President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues facing the two countries, as well as the Canada-France 2004 Program which will celebrate 400 years of history and four centuries of rich and unique ties between Canada and France.

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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555