NEWS RELEASES

February 29, 2000 (6:10 p.m. EST) No. 32

CANADA AND RUSSIA RENEW THEIR COMMITMENT TO INCREASE

CO-OPERATION ON ABORIGINAL AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) Minister Robert Nault announced today a three-year extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Concerning Co-operation on Aboriginal and Northern Development between Canada and the Russian Federation. Minister Vladimir Goman, Chair of the State Committee on Northern Affairs of the Russian Federation (Goskomsever) and Minister Nault extended the MOU on behalf of their respective governments. Minister Goman was in Ottawa on a two-day visit, February 28 and 29, to enhance Canada-Russia northern co-operation and to reinvigorate the political dialogue on Arctic and Aboriginal affairs.

The MOU, originally signed in October 1997, recognizes that both Canada and the Russian Federation share a wide range of interests and issues unique to Arctic and northern regions. It was set up to aid co-operation and consultation between DIAND and Goskomsever in areas such as northern policy and the socio-economic development of Aboriginal people. In addition to extending the MOU, Ministers Goman and Nault also approved a work plan of new activities designed to promote northern sustainable development and take advantage of emerging socio-economic opportunities in the region.

"I am pleased to extend this MOU between our countries and look forward, through the implementation of our work plan, to enhancing our bilateral co-operation in the Arctic," said Minister Nault. "I am certain that this synergy will act as a catalyst for Aboriginal and Northern development."

During the visit, Minister Goman and Minister Axworthy also presided over the first meeting of the Working Group on the Arctic and the North, under the framework of the Canada-Russian Inter-governmental Economic Commission. The mandate of the Working Group is to bring together Canadian and Russian industry and government officials to explore economic and commercial opportunities in the North.

"The development of the northern dimension of our bilateral relations with Russia continues to be a priority," said Minister Axworthy. "We are currently following up on the Canada-European Union Summit Joint Statement on Northern Co-operation, in which relations with Russia are a major element. The first meeting of the Working Group on the Arctic and the North is one more important step towards unlocking the economic and commercial potential of the North in both our countries."

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Steven Outhouse

Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

(819) 994-2044

Debora Brown

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 of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development's Internet site http://www.inac.gc.ca.