NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY TO ATTEND NATO MINISTERIAL MEETINGSIN FLORENCE
May 24, 2000 (9:30 a.m. EDT) No. 116
AXWORTHY TO ATTEND NATO MINISTERIAL MEETINGS
IN FLORENCE
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that he will attend NATO ministerial meetings taking
place in Florence, Italy, on May 24 and 25.
"In its role as a catalyst for extending security and stability throughout the Euro-Atlantic area, NATO must
continually evolve to face the current challenges of today's reality," said Mr. Axworthy. "These meetings provide
the Alliance with an opportunity to discuss policy questions, review current situations of concern, engage in
direct dialogue with partner countries and pursue initiatives that will enhance regional and international peace
and stability."
In Florence, Minister Axworthy will participate in meetings with the North Atlantic Council, the NATO-Ukraine
Commission, the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.
During the course of these encounters, the Minister will highlight Canada's significant civilian and military
contributions in the Balkans and reiterate the Canadian government's unwavering support for bringing peace
and stability to the region.
Following on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, held in New York from April 24 to
May 20, Mr. Axworthy will press to ensure that the review of NATO's non-proliferation, arms control and
disarmament policies, currently under way, is both thorough and comprehensive. This will demonstrate NATO's
collective commitment to strengthening the NPT regime as a key means to address global security.
Finally, the Minister will voice Canada's support for enhanced ties between NATO and the European Union,
and a strengthening of NATO's partnerships with Russia and Ukraine.
Canada has been a member of NATO since it was founded in 1949.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
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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