Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy will attend the fourth Association of
Southeast Asian Nations'(ASEAN) Regional Forum and Post Ministerial Conference in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 27 to 29, 1997.
"Southeast Asia is one of the most dynamic regions of the world and of increasing
importance to Canada," said Mr. Axworthy. "These meetings help build consensus on
a broad range of political, economic and security issues important to us all,
including the situations in Cambodia and Burma, the illicit trafficking and
production of drugs, and the issue of anti-personnel mines."
At these ASEAN meetings, foreign ministers of the nine ASEAN countries (Thailand,
Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines and Viet Nam and new
members Laos and Burma) will meet with each of their 10 dialogue partners (Canada,
Australia, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, the European Union,
India, China and Russia) to discuss international political, security and economic
issues. Canada has been an ASEAN dialogue partner since 1977.
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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
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
