NEWS RELEASES

April 30, 2001 (3:15 p.m. EDT) No. 52

CANADA'S SUPPORT STRATEGY

FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE IX FRANCOPHONE SUMMIT

IN BEIRUT, LEBANON, OCTOBER 2001

Veterans Affairs Minister and Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie) Ron J. Duhamel co-signed today a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ghassan Salameh, Lebanon's Minister of Culture and Minister Responsible for the Organization of the IX Francophone Summit. The MOU outlines Canadian support for the logistical organization of the Summit, which will be held in Beirut, Lebanon, from October 26 to 28, 2001.

"This agreement is part of Canada's support strategy for the Beirut Summit," Mr. Duhamel stated, noting that, "Canadian expertise will be used in the following sectors: accreditation, informatics, communications co-ordination, health, security, and cultural activities."

The MOU signed today identifies priority areas for Canada's contribution and sets out certain administrative terms and conditions and related obligations and responsibilities for Canada and Lebanon.

The Government of Canada has provided Lebanese authorities with a detailed report on the Moncton Summit, which will serve as a road map and a key step in the planning, organizing and staging of the Beirut Summit.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Jean-Pierre Morin

Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Western Economic

Diversification) (Francophonie)

(613) 715-2150

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874