September 27, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced today that the Prime Minister of Belgium, Guy Verhofstadt, will pay a short working visit to Ottawa on September 28, 2001. The Prime Minister and Mr. Verhofstadt, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency, will discuss the international response to terrorism over breakfast.

"The world has changed dramatically since the last time we met at the G-8 Summit in Genoa," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "We need to be united in our efforts to combat international terrorism. This visit will give us the opportunity to compare notes on what Canada and the European Union are doing in this regard."

The two leaders will also review the bilateral relations between Canada and Belgium.

- 30 -

PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555