NEWS RELEASES
CHAN IN INDIA
May 14, 1999 (4:30 p.m. EDT) No. 111
CHAN IN INDIA
Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan paid a one-day working visit to India on May 14, 1999.
During his visit to the Indian capital, New Delhi, Mr. Chan reviewed broad-ranging bilateral issues with Jaswant
Singh, Minister for External Affairs; P.R. Kumaramangalam, Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs; and Shri
Sompal, Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources. As well, Mr. Chan held meetings with senior
politicians and business persons.
Mr. Chan repeated Canada's concerns about India's nuclear tests last May and once again urged India to sign the
Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. With respect to regional security issues, he noted Canada's interest in
recent improvements in Indo-Pakistani relations. He also welcomed the prospects for further co-operation between
the two countries arising from the Lahore Declaration of February 1999.
The Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) also discussed co-operation between the Canadian Human Rights
Commission and the National Human Rights Commission of India and encouraged India in its endeavours to
resolve religious tensions.
In reference to trade and economic relations, Mr. Chan stressed that the Canadian government and the private
sector are encouraged by India's effort to modernize its economy, privatize government holdings and attract foreign
investment. He highlighted the significant contribution of Canadian companies to India's power sector over the last
four decades and future opportunities for joint collaboration in several priority industrial sectors.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Naseem Nuraney
Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)
(613) 995-1852
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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