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<title> MARLEAU TO PARTICIPATE IN 12TH FRANCOPHONIE MINISTERS' CONFERENCE IN ROMANIA</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">December 3, 1998 <em>(9:45 a.m. EST)</em> No. 280</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"> MARLEAU TO PARTICIPATE IN </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">12TH FRANCOPHONIE MINISTERS' CONFERENCE IN ROMANIA</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Minister for International Co-operation and Minister responsible for La Francophonie Diane Marleau will lead the
Canadian delegation participating in the 12th Session of the Francophonie Ministers' Conference in Bucharest
on December 4 and 5, 1998.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">One of the key items on the Conference's agenda is the reform of the Agence de la Francophonie, which is
required due to the establishment of new institutions within La Francophonie -- including the General Secretariat
directed by Boutros BoutrosGhali -- as a result of the Cotonou and Hanoi summits. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Canada energetically and expressly supports plans to reform the Agence to make it more effective and
transparent," said Madame Marleau. "This is the last conference before the one immediately preceding the
Moncton Summit in 1999. It will seek to guide preparations for this meeting of heads of state and heads of
government, and promises to be of great importance in following up on major issues within La Francophonie."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"We will also ensure that the issues of good governance and the integration of least- advanced countries in the
world trading system are included on the agenda for the Monaco Economic Summit in April 1999," she added.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">At the end of the Bucharest Conference, Madame Marleau will take over as Chair of the Francophonie
Ministers' Conference from His Excellency Nguyen Manh Cam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Vietnam.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">André Doren</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister for International Co-operation and</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Minister responsible for La Francophonie</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(819) 997-6919</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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