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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">September 30, 1998 No. 224</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CHINESE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER TO VISIT CANADA</font><font face="Courier"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Foreign Affairs
Minister for the People's Republic of China, Tang Jiaxuan, will visit Ottawa,
Calgary and Vancouver from September 30 to October 5. During his visit, Mr. Tang
will discuss a wide range of issues including arms control, environmental issues
and the Canada-China human rights dialogue.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Canada and China have developed a useful and effective dialogue on human rights
issues over the years. Highlights include:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> </font></p>
<ul>
<li><font face="Courier">
<p>the creation of a Canada-China Joint Committee on Human Rights;</font></p>
<li><font face="Courier">
<p>bilateral projects on legal reform;</font></p>
<li><font face="Courier">
<p>an Asia-Pacific symposium on Human Rights, co-sponsored by Canada and China,
which included independent human rights institutions from the region.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"I look forward to discussing with the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister our
efforts to further advance co-operation on human rights issues," said Mr.
Axworthy. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The two Ministers will also discuss progress on the flood relief efforts along the
Yangtze and Songhua Rivers. Canada was one of the first countries to answer calls
for help from the International Red Cross and the Red Cross Societies for flood
relief in China. Canada has contributed a total of $1.2 million which has been
used for the purchase of medical supplies, sanitation materials and water
purification tablets.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">In Ottawa, Mr. Tang will meet with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Speaker of the
Senate Gildas Molgat, Speaker of the House of Commons Gilbert Parent, Foreign
Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, Minister for International Co-operation and
Minister responsible for La Francophonie Diane Marleau and Secretary of State
(Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">In Calgary, Mr. Tang will attend the opening of the Chinese Consulate General. He
will then travel to Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">In Vancouver, Mr. Chan will host a dinner for Mr. Tang. "I am delighted to welcome
Minister Tang to Canada. Everyday, I am encouraged by our strong bilateral
relations and I am confident that Mr. Tang's visit will advance many of our common
interests," said Mr. Chan.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Hilary Humphrey</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1852</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></li>
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