NEWS RELEASES
CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT CANADA
September 21, 2000 (2:55 p.m. EDT) No. 243
CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT CANADA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Croatian Foreign Minister
Tonino Picula, will visit Ottawa from September 24 to 26. This will be Minister Picula's first trip
to Canada, and the first official visit of an elected Croatian government representative to Canada
since the new parliament and president were elected earlier this year.
While in Ottawa, Minister Picula will meet with Minister Axworthy and with National Defence
Minister Art Eggleton, and will meet with members of the Standing Committee on Foreign
Affairs and International Trade. Minister Picula will also attend a Newsmakers Breakfast on
September 26, and will meet with members of the business community.
"Canada welcomes the political and economic reforms initiated by the Croatian government,"
said Minister Axworthy. "Croatia has set a positive example for change for all countries of the
region. These democratic reforms lead the way to greater bilateral co-operation with Croatia, and
to its further integration into international organizations. We encourage the Croatian authorities in
their continued efforts."
Parliamentary and presidential elections in Croatia held in January and February 2000 have led to
a change in government, allowing for greater co-operation with the international community. The
new authorities have taken tangible steps toward improving such co-operation, notably in the
areas of democratization and human rights.
"The people of Croatia have made a clear choice for democratic change, and the government is
making serious efforts to abide by this," Mr. Axworthy added.
Canada strongly supports the democratic changes being effected by the Croatian government. In
March, Canada announced $2 million in funding to support initiatives in the areas of mine action,
judicial reform, refugee return, and the promotion of democracy and good governance. Canada
continues to co-operate closely with Croatia in its reform efforts.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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