July 9, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will conduct a working visit to Moscow from July 12 to 14, 2001. During his visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and will meet with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov.

"I am pleased to meet with President Putin again to exchange views on global issues on the eve of the G8 summit," said the Prime Minister. "I look forward to deepening our collaboration on key economic files and promoting more exchange of knowledge and expertise between Canada and Russia."

On July 13, in Moscow, the International Olympic Committee will meet to announce the venue for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Prime Minister will join the Canadian delegation to this meeting. Toronto is one of the candidate cities, along with Beijing, Istanbul, Osaka and Paris.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Heritage Minister Sheila Copps, Transport Minister David Collenette and Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Denis Coderre.

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