NEWS RELEASES

January 14, 2000 (10:15 a.m. EST) No. 2

SECRETARY OF STATE KILGOUR TO VISIT CARIBBEAN

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour announced today that he will visit the Bahamas and Jamaica from January 16 to 20. The purpose of these bilateral visits is to improve Canada's bilateral political and economic relations in that part of the Americas. Canada has important investment interests in both countries as well as solid trade relations.

"This visit will enhance our relationship as we engage in a dialogue on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues," said Kilgour. "As well, it is important to underline the increasing importance of Canadian trade and investment in the region."

While in the Bahamas, Kilgour will meet with Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General Janet Bostwick to discuss emerging social development issues. He will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on transport co-operation between the two governments and will promote Canadian interests in the privatization of telecommunication and airport systems in the Bahamas. This will be the first bilateral visit of a Canadian minister in almost a decade.

During his visit to Jamaica, Kilgour will meet with Foreign Minister Seymour Mullings to review the state of bilateral relations and discuss hemispheric initiatives such as the Free Trade Area of the Americas, in which Jamaica has been an active participant. He will also meet with the Ministers of Commerce and Technology, National Security and Labour to advance particular Canadian interests in the areas of telecommunication, security and drug co-operation, and the management of an important farm workers program that supports Canadian farmers.

In addition, Kilgour will deliver the keynote address at the "Doing Business with Canada" conference where a large number of Jamaican entrepreneurs are expected.

Kilgour will use the opportunity of his visits to the Bahamas and Jamaica to report on Minister Axworthy's talks with other CARICOM Foreign Ministers in Trinidad on January 7. Foreign Ministers Bostwick and Mullings had been unable to attend the meeting.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Tasha Stefanis

Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)

(613) 992-9404

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874