NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY TO VISIT CAIRO AND PARIS
November 7, 1996 No. 203
AXWORTHY TO VISIT CAIRO AND PARIS
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy will lead a delegation of over 30 Canadian
firms and organizations to the third Middle East/North Africa Economic Summit
(MENAES) in Cairo, Egypt, November 12-14, 1996. He will also attend a meeting of
the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board in Paris, France, on November 14,
to promote a lasting peace in Bosnia.
The MENAES brings together international business executives and Middle Eastern
and North African business leaders to assess the changing business environment and
potential opportunities in the region. Canadian companies and organizations
participating in the conference will highlight Canadian capabilities in such
sectors as agriculture, environmental products and services, consulting services,
transportation, energy and telecommunications. While in Cairo, Mr. Axworthy will
also be undertaking bilateral discussions with a number of representatives from
countries in the region.
"Building a strong economy in the Middle East and North Africa will help pave the
way toward peace, security and prosperity for all in this region," said Mr
Axworthy. "I will be emphasizing this point and also signalling Canada's concern
about the importance of re-invigorating the peace process in my meetings in Cairo.
Canada stands ready to assist in any way to help strengthen peace and stability in
the region."
Canada will provide an on-site pavilion in Cairo called Canada House, where
international business people can meet Canadian delegates and obtain trade
information regarding Canadian business activities in the Middle East and North
Africa.
In Paris, the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, which provides
guidance to the High Representative, Carl Bildt, will discuss a framework for the
next phase of the Bosnia peace process.
The Steering Board is composed of representatives of the G-7 countries, Russia,
the Presidency of the European Union, the European Commission and the Organization
of the Islamic Conference.
"Canada's participation in the Council Steering Board is especially important at
this critical juncture, following the national elections and nearing the end of
the IFOR mission in Bosnia," said Mr. Axworthy. "It is through such forums that
Canada can contribute to the monitoring, co-ordination and facilitation of all
civilian aspects of the peace agreement."
The full Peace Implementation Council will hold its next ministerial conference in
London, England, December 4-5, 1996.
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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
Media accreditation for the MENAES must be obtained through the Media Office,
World Economic Forum, Cairo, tel.: 011-20-2-489-0103; fax: 011-20-2-489-0119.
For more information on the Cairo Summit via the Internet, please contact
www.cairo96.gov.eg
Media accreditation for the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board must be
obtained through the Canadian Embassy in Paris, tel.: 011-33-1-44-43-29-00;
fax: 011-33-1-44-43-29-98.
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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