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<title>SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS' VISIT TO BELGIUM A SUCCESS</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>February 14, 2002 <em>(4:00 p.m. EST)</em> No. 14</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>SECRETARY OF STATE PARADIS' VISIT TO BELGIUM A SUCCESS</strong></font></p>
<p>Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie) Denis Paradis ended his visit to Europe yesterday by meeting
with Hervé Hasquin, Minister-President of the French Community of Belgium, and with Eddy Boutmans, Belgian
Secretary of State for Cooperation and Development.</p>
<p>Their talks enabled Mr. Paradis to engage in productive dialogue on the challenges faced by Canada and Belgium, partners
in La Francophonie, especially in the areas of official development aid and the strengthening of the democratic regimes of
Africa and Latin America. "We must focus on areas of cooperation in order to better target our involvement and lay the
groundwork for sustainable economic, social and democratic development," said Mr. Paradis.</p>
<p>The Secretary of State noted that Prime Minister Chrétien has reaffirmed several times since September 11 his commitment
to the G8 Africa Action Plan at Kananaskis. Mr. Paradis indicated that he looks forward to working with Belgium and other
European partners on this important initiative.</p>
<p>Accompanied by Ambassador Jacques Bilodeau, the Canadian Prime Minister's sherpa for La Francophonie, Mr. Paradis
also took advantage of the opportunity to meet with the representatives of member countries in La Francophonie.</p>
<p>For further information on La Francophonie, visit the Department's Web site at: <a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070220193516/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/foreignp/francophonie/menu-e.htm">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/foreignp/francophonie/menu-e.htm</a></p>
<p>- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
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<p>Geneviève Tremblay</p>
<p>Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and
Africa) (Francophonie)</p>
<p>(613) 944-3403</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070220193516/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></multicol>
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