NEWS RELEASES
GRAHAM TO PARTICIPATE IN CANADA-EU AND ARCTIC COUNCIL MINISTERIAL MEETINGS
October 4, 2002 (11:00 a.m. EDT) No. 114
GRAHAM TO PARTICIPATE IN CANADA-EU AND ARCTIC COUNCIL MINISTERIAL
MEETINGS
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that he will participate in the Canada-European Union Foreign
Ministers' meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark on October 7, the Third Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Inari, Finland
on October 9 and 10, and bilateral meetings with the Finnish Government in Helsinki on October 11, 2002.
"Canada recognizes that the European Union, with its expanded jurisdiction in the areas of justice and internal affairs,
common foreign policy, and emerging European security and defence policy, is playing an increasingly important role
internationally," said Minister Graham. "I look forward to the opportunity of consulting with our European friends and
allies, particularly on important matters of foreign policy that are now facing us, including Iraq and the situation in the
Middle East."
Foreign ministers will have the opportunity to discuss a number of issues including the war on terrorism, the New
Partnership for Africa's Development, the International Criminal Court, climate change, the Middle East and Iraq. In
addition, they will discuss preparations for the December 2002 Canada-EU Summit.
The Arctic Council is a high-level forum that brings together participants from the eight circumpolar countries (Canada,
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States), and six International Indigenous Peoples
organizations (Aleut International Association, Arctic Athabascan Council, Gwich'in Council International, Inuit
Circumpolar Conference, Saami Council, and the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North). The Third
Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting will be chaired by the Finnish Foreign Minister.
"The unique environment and living conditions of the northern regions of the globe deserve particular attention. By
bringing together the ideas and perspectives of governments, Indigenous peoples and non-government stakeholders, the
meetings provide an excellent forum in which to address these unique challenges," said Minister Graham. "Through the
northern dimension of Canada's foreign policy, Canada has worked hard to strengthen circumpolar cooperation. The Arctic
Council is critical to further developing this cooperation."
A variety of issues will be discussed in Inari, including the effects of pollution and global climate change on the northern
environment and its populations, and the development of sources of livelihood and future prospects in the Arctic.
In the latter stage of his trip, Minister Graham will meet with Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, Foreign Minister
Erkki Tuomioja and Minister of Defence Jan-Erik Enestam to discuss Canada-Finland bilateral issues, and international
current events and issues, including the International Criminal Court and Iraq.
For more information about the Northern Dimension of Canada's Foreign Policy, visit:
http://www.circumpolar.gc.ca
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
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
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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