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NEWS RELEASES

October 3, 2003 (12:45 p.m. EDT) No. 147

GRAHAM TO PARTICIPATE IN CANADA-EU

FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETING

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that he will participate in the Canada-European Union (EU) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Rome, Italy, on October 6. This meeting is part of the ongoing Trans-Atlantic Dialogue that takes place twice yearly between Canada and the European Union.

"The trans-Atlantic relationship is fundamental to the maintenance of peace, stability and prosperity in the world," said Minister Graham. "In a time of continued international tension, it is imperative that we work ever more closely together to ensure the effectiveness of multilateral solutions to challenges in Iraq, North Korea and the Middle East."

Minister Graham will meet with Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, representing the EU Presidency, EU High Representative Javier Solana, and EU Commissioner for External Relations Christopher Patten to discuss a range of issues, including Canada-EU relations, Canada-EU perspectives on important global issues, such as Iraq and North Korea, UN reform and the implications of the Responsibility to Protect report.

At the same time, Minister Graham will use this opportunity to meet with Minister Frattini to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest to Canada and Italy, including increased trade and investment between the two countries.

The EU is Canada's second most important trading partner and second largest source of foreign investment. In 2002, Canada-EU trade in goods and services totalled $78.8 billion, and Canadian goods and services exported to the EU were valued at $31.1 billion. Canadian exports to Italy represented just under $1.5 billion.

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