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NEWS RELEASES

September 5, 2003 (11:25 a.m. EDT) No. 128

KILGOUR TO VISIT MONGOLIA

Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) David Kilgour today announced that he will visit Mongolia from September 7 to 13. During the visit, Mr. Kilgour will participate in the Fifth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies and meet with senior government officials. The Speaker of the Senate, Dan Hays, will also participate in the Conference.

"Canada is pleased to participate in and help fund this Conference, which will provide an excellent opportunity for countries at all levels of democratic development to share ideas and best practices," said Mr. Kilgour. "I also look forward to meeting with Mongolian government representatives to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral ties."

The International Conference of New or Restored Democracies was established in 1988 by developing countries to share their experiences with democracy and to identify and develop good governance practices, which are essential components of human security. This year's Conference, which is expected to draw delegates from 100 countries, will also promote closer cooperation between governments and civil society. The Canadian government has contributed $175,000 toward the organization of the Conference and $20,000 toward a Civil Society Forum to be held on the margins of the main meeting.

In Ulan Bator, Mr. Kilgour will meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Luvsangiin Erdenechuluun, Industry and Commerce Minister Chimidzorigiin Ganzorig, and Food and Agriculture Minister Darjaagiin Nasanjargal to discuss commerce, development and a broad range of bilateral and international issues of mutual concern.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

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