PRIME MINISTER CHRÉTIEN TO ATTEND CANADA-EU AND G8 SUMMITS, THE ST. PETERSBURG ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AND THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE OPENING

May 23, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Chrétien today announced that he will be participating in the Canada-EU Summit in Athens, Greece (May 28-29), 300th Anniversary celebrations in St-Petersburg, Russia (May 29-June 1), the G8 Summit in Evian, France (June 1-3) and the official opening of the Juno Beach Centre, in Normandy, France (June 6).

"The economic, security and development challenges facing the world today make it more important than ever for Canada, the European Union and other G8 members to agree to collective action on a number of emerging and existing issues," said the Prime Minister. "I am pleased with Canada's progress in fulfilling commitments made at last year's G8 Summit in Kananaskis on the G8 Africa Action Plan and the ongoing international campaign against terrorism."

At the Canada-EU Summit in Athens, Prime Minister Chrétien will meet with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi. Greece currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Discussions will focus on a broad range of topics including trans-Atlantic trade and investment relations, Iraq, the Middle East Peace Process and the ongoing global campaign against terrorism. The Prime Minister will also meet with Greek President Constantinos Stephanopoulos to discuss bilateral relations and deliver a keynote address to a business forum.

In St-Petersburg, the Prime Minister will join many international leaders in celebrating the 300th anniversary of the founding of that city which served as Russia's capital from 1712 to 1918.

In Evian, the Prime Minister and other G8 leaders will focus discussions on three principal areas, namely strengthening the global economy and promoting sustainable development and international security. Leaders are expected to discuss progress since the Kananaskis G8 Summit on implementing the G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction and the G8 Africa Action Plan as well as the New Partnership for Africa's Development. NEPAD is a comprehensive plan developed by African leaders to address the continent's key social, economic, and political priorities. African leaders will join part of the discussions on Africa again this year.

The Prime Minister will participate in the official opening of the Juno Beach Centre, which recognizes Canada's military and civilian contributions to the Second World War and provides a forum for visitors to learn more about Canada. To date the Government is contributing over $4 million towards the centre.

- 30 -

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555