NEWS RELEASES
QIAN QICHEN, CHINA'S VICE-PREMIER AND FOREIGN MINISTER, TO VISIT CANADA
September 11, 1996 No. 159
QIAN QICHEN, CHINA'S VICE-PREMIER AND FOREIGN MINISTER, TO
VISIT CANADA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that China's Vice-Premier
and Foreign Minister, Qian Qichen, will pay an official visit to Canada from
September 17 to 20. During his stay, Mr. Qian will visit Vancouver and Ottawa.
In Vancouver, from September 17 to 18, Mr. Qian will be hosted by Secretary of
State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan.
"Vice-Premier Qian's visit is indicative of the important and multi-faceted
relationship that exists between Canada and China," said Mr. Axworthy. "My
colleagues and I look forward to significant discussions on issues ranging from
trade and international peace and security to the advancement of human rights and
the rule of law."
"As Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for Hong Kong, Qian Qichen will play a
key role in the transition of the territory from British to Chinese sovereignty,"
said Mr. Chan. "Canada has a direct interest in the continued autonomy, stability
and prosperity of Hong Kong, and we will use this opportunity to emphasize the
importance of continuity for Hong Kong's institutions and freedoms. We will also
discuss specific issues of immediate interest to Canadian citizens."
While in Ottawa on September 18 and 19, Mr. Qian will be hosted by Mr. Axworthy.
He will also meet with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Minister for International
Co-operation and Minister Responsible for la Francophonie Pierre S. Pettigrew, and
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Lucienne Robillard. In addition, Mr. Qian
will deliver an address at a luncheon hosted by the Canadian Institute for
International Affairs and the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Canada.
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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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