NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY TO ATTEND HONG KONGHANDOVER CEREMONIES
June 27,1997 No. 109
AXWORTHY TO ATTEND HONG KONG
HANDOVER CEREMONIES
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy will represent Canada at the Hong Kong
handover on June 30 and July 1, 1997.
"Canada has an important stake in Hong Kong and our participation at the handover
recognizes the significance of this historic event to the future of Hong Kong,"
said Mr. Axworthy. "Canada intends to maintain a close relationship with the new
Hong Kong administration, led by Mr. Tung Chee-hwa. At the same time, we want to
convey that Canada expects China to live up to its commitments regarding Hong
Kong's autonomy, its institutions and way of life."
During his visit, Mr. Axworthy plans to hold a bilateral meeting with Chief
Executive Designate Tung Chee-hwa on July 2, and will also meet with Democratic
Party Chairman Martin Lee on July 1 and Chief Secretary of the Hong Kong
Government Anson Chan on June 30.
Mr. Axworthy noted that Canada has repeatedly voiced its concerns regarding the
formation of the Provisional Legislature. During Mr. Axworthy's visit to China and
Hong Kong in April, the Chinese government expressed its commitment to hold
democratic elections within one year of the July 1, 1997, transition date.
While in Hong Kong, Minister Axworthy will also host an event to mark Canada Day
on July 1 at the Consulate General.
Canada has important human and economic interests in Hong Kong. As Canada's 10th-largest trading partner, Hong Kong is an increasingly important trade and
commercial centre for Canadian business. With over 100 000 Canadians resident in
the territory, the Canadian community in Hong Kong is the largest in Asia.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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