April 28, 1998 No. 102

KILGOUR TO VISIT LATIN AMERICA

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour announced today that he will lead a delegation to Ecuador, Venezuela, Panama and Costa Rica from May 1 to 8. The visit will build on solid relationships by enhancing Canada's bilateral, political and economic relations.

"This visit will promote mutual understanding as we 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."

With a view to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ecuador, Kilgour will encourage negotiations of a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) and discuss good governance, regional security and integration, promotion of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), and issues regarding Indigenous Peoples.

While in Venezuela, which is one of the most active members of the Andean community, Kilgour will discuss Canada's support of the economic reform process in that country and touch on issues of co-operation in the areas of judicial reform, human rights, Indigenous Peoples, governance, Santiago Summit follow-up, and Haiti. Bilateral trade with Venezuela increased to almost $2 billion in 1997.

During his visit to Panama, Kilgour will highlight the strong ties between the two countries and offer support to ongoing Indigenous projects. He will also lobby on behalf of Canadian mining companies renegotiating their mining concessions in Panama. Canadian companies now hold close to 70 percent of all mining concessions in the country.

While in Costa Rica, Kilgour will represent the Government of Canada at the inaugural ceremony of the newly elected president, Miguel Angel Rodriguez. Kilgour's attendance in Costa Rica will reaffirm Canada's presence in the region.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sara Mohsin

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

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca