NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY AND EGGLETON WELCOMEEUROPEAN COMMISSION'S PLAN FORCLOSER CO-OPERATION WITH CANADA
March 1, 1996 No. 30
AXWORTHY AND EGGLETON WELCOME
EUROPEAN COMMISSION'S PLAN FOR
CLOSER CO-OPERATION WITH CANADA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Minister for International Trade Art
Eggleton welcomed the release yesterday in Brussels of a plan by the European
Commission for closer political and economic relations with Canada. The seven-page document will be submitted for final approval to the European Council of
Ministers before the end of March. Canada expects that negotiations on a joint
Declaration and Action Plan for enhanced co-operation with the European Union (EU)
will get under way in April.
"As a result of continuing expansion and integration, the importance of the
European Union as an economic and political partner for Canada is increasing.
Canada is committed to a comprehensive transatlantic renewal process that includes
Europe and the United States," Mr. Axworthy said.
Canada is seeking to enhance bilateral co-operation with the European Union in
many areas including foreign and security policy, and global issues such as human
rights, international crime, migration and the environment.
Canada has focussed special attention on ways to expand transatlantic trade and
commercial relations. High on the Canadian agenda is a proposal for a detailed
study on the benefits of transatlantic trade liberalization.
"Canada is a trading nation. Increasing market opportunities for Canadian
exporters in the lucrative European market would mean job creation and economic
growth in Canada, and further benefits for Canadian consumers," Mr. Eggleton said.
The decision to deepen transatlantic relations is the product of consultations
among Canada, the European Commission and Member States of the European Union in
the past months.
The planned visit of Sir Leon Brittan, Vice-President of the European Commission,
to Canada on March 18 will offer an opportunity to examine these ideas further and
to lay the groundwork for negotiations on a detailed Canada-EU Action Plan.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
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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