NEWS RELEASES
CANADA AND MEXICO EXTEND BILATERAL CO-OPERATION
June 11, 1996 No. 110
CANADA AND MEXICO EXTEND BILATERAL CO-OPERATION
The Government of Canada today signed two agreements and four memorandums of
understanding (MOUs) with Mexico as part of efforts to broaden the relationship
between the two countries. The signings took place during Mexican President
Ernesto Zedillo's visit to Canada, June 10-14, 1996.
A memorandum of understanding was signed creating an exchange program for Canadian
and Mexican foreign service officers, which is scheduled to begin this autumn.
The governments also signed an agreement promoting the creation of nation-wide
educational networks in Mexico, and an arrangement extending co-operation in the
field of distance learning.
Two MOUs dealing with geoscience and energy were also signed to promote
improvements and exchanges of information in these areas. An additional memorandum
on co-operation in mining policy, first signed in 1993, was renewed.
- 30 -
The attached backgrounder provides additional information on the agreements and
MOUs signed.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
Susan Copeland
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 992-5198
Deanna Jamieson
Industry Canada
(613) 943-2513
Backgrounder
The following agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed in Ottawa
between the Government of Canada and the Government of Mexico on June 11, 1996.
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade of Canada and the Ministry of Foreign Relations of the United
Mexican States, concerning Exchanges of Foreign Service Officers
This MOU will establish an exchange program for foreign service officers between
the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Relations and the Canadian Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade. Exchanges under this agreement will be for a
period of one year, and will contribute to the professional development and
specialization of foreign service officers from both countries. The first
exchange is scheduled to begin in the autumn of 1996.
Signatories: The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Secretary Ángel Gurría, Ministry of Foreign Relations
Industry Canada
Implementing Arrangement for Co-operation in the Field of Technologies for
Distance Learning between the Department of Industry Canada and the Ministry of
Public Education of the United Mexican States
This implementing arrangement will provide for an exchange of views on government
policy relating to bilateral co-operation in the field of interactive educational
and communication technologies. This arrangement will be in effect until 2001.
Signatories: The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Secretary Ángel Gurría, Ministry of Foreign Relations
Industry Canada
Arrangement on Parallel Development of Educational Networks between Industry
Canada and the Ministry of Public Education of the United Mexican States
This arrangement will promote the development and implementation of nation-wide
educational networks. These interconnected networks will provide teachers and
students with access to information services, teaching resources, learning
materials, authoring tools, instruction and training courses. As a result of this
agreement, the Government of Mexico will be implementing an educational network
similar to Industry Canada's SchoolNet model.
Signatories: The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Secretary Ángel Gurría, Ministry of Foreign Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Mining Policy between Natural
Resources Canada and the Ministry of Commerce and Industrial Development (SECOFI)
of the United Mexican States
This MOU reconfirms bilateral policy co-operation and co-ordination in
multilateral activities that affect bilateral trade in minerals and metals. This
is a renewal of a memorandum of understanding first signed in 1993.
Signatories: The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister for Natural Resources
Secretary Herminio Blanco, Ministry of Commerce and Industrial Development
Natural Resources Canada
Memorandum of Understanding for Scientific and Technical Co-operation in
Geoscience and Cartography between the Geological Surveys of Canada and the
Council of Mineral Resources of the United Mexican States
This MOU will promote long-term co-operation and foster future development of
commercial exchanges in the geoscience field.
Signatories: The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister for Natural Resources
Secretary Herminio Blanco, Ministry of Commerce and Industrial Development
Natural Resources Canada
Memorandum of Understanding between Natural Resources Canada and the Ministry of
Energy of the United Mexican States on Co-operation in Energy Efficiency and
Alternative Energy
This MOU will promote opportunities to improve the design and delivery of energy
efficiency and alternative energy programs. It will establish a framework for the
exchange of information concerning energy efficiency products, energy management
services and alternative energy goods and services.
Signatories: The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister for Natural Resources
Secretary Jesús Reyes-Heroles, Ministry of Energy
| 
