PAGTAKHAN TO VISIT JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND MONGOLIA
April 6, 2001 (9:55 a.m. EDT) No. 43
PAGTAKHAN TO VISIT JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA AND MONGOLIA
Rey Pagtakhan, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific), announced today that he will visit
Japan, South Korea and Mongolia from April 6 to 18.
"The trip is intended to reaffirm the importance that Canada attaches to its relations with
Asia-Pacific, and to signal Canada's desire to strengthen its bilateral relations and trade
partnerships with Japan, South Korea and Mongolia," said Dr. Pagtakhan. During his
trip, the Secretary of State will meet with his counterparts and key interlocutors in
Canada's bilateral relationship with Japan, South Korea and Mongolia.
"Canada is a dynamic, modern, high-tech, multicultural society that offers unparalleled
trade opportunities with the Asia-Pacific region," added Dr. Pagtakhan. "As the world
witnesses rapid technological change, growing international competition and new
trading arrangements, we wish to strengthen and deepen our relationship with Japan,
South Korea and Mongolia."
While in Japan, from April 6 to 11, Dr. Pagtakhan will represent Prime Minister
Jean Chrétien at the Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC) Leaders' Meeting,
participate in the 34th PBEC International General Meeting and launch the Think
Canada 2001 festival. Dr. Pagtakhan's participation in these events highlights the
importance that Canada attaches to its relationship with Japan and underscores
Canada's ongoing commitment to developing economic links with the region.
Dr. Pagtakhan will be received by their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince Naruhito
and the Crown Princess Masako, and will meet with several Japanese parliamentarians
including the Speaker of the Lower House and Chair of the Japan-Canada Diet
Friendship League, Tamisuke Watanuki, and the Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Seishiro Eto. They will discuss bilateral co-operation issues such as peace and
security, official development assistance, social policy research and culture.
Dr. Pagtakhan will also meet with the Governor of Osaka, Mrs. Fusae Ohta, and will
speak to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce-Japan (Osaka), the Osaka Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, the Kansai Economic Federation, the Kansai Association of
Corporate Executives and the Osaka Industrial Association.
From April 11 to 15, the Secretary of State will visit South Korea. While in Seoul,
Dr. Pagtakhan will meet with several ministers, including H.E. Han Seung-soo, Minister
of Foreign Affairs and Trade, H.E. Hwang Doo-yun, Minister for Trade, and H.E. Oh
Jang-sub, Minister of Construction and Transportation. Dr. Pagtakhan will also visit the
Demilitarized Zone at OP Dora, the Panmunjom Truce Village and the Joint Security
Area.
Dr. Pagtakhan will travel to Mongolia on April 15, accompanied by a 15-person business
delegation seeking export opportunities in a number of sectors, including mining,
agriculture, transportation, telecoms and the environment. Dr. Pagtakhan will meet with
Prime Minister Enkhbayar and a range of Mongolian ministers, and will visit several
Canada Fund Projects providing assistance to Mongolian children and the elderly.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Stephanie Ashton
Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)
(613) 995-2742
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
