President of Brazil to visit Canada

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced today that Fernando Henrique Cardoso, President of Brazil, will conduct a state visit to Canada from April 21 to 24. The President will be accompanied by a delegation of Brazilian ministers and business people.

"Brazil is our largest export market in South America, and an increasingly important global actor," said the Prime Minister. "This visit is an important opportunity to broaden our economic relations, and to advance our partnership on a variety of regional and international issues."

While in Ottawa, President Cardoso will meet with the Governor General and Prime Minister Chrétien. A number of issues will be discussed, including increased trade and investment, UN reform, and greater hemispheric integration leading up the to 1998 Summit of the Americas.

President Cardoso will also visit Toronto and Montréal, where he will meet Ontario Premier Michael Harris and Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555