February 3, 1998 No. 25

AXWORTHY TO ATTEND OPENING CEREMONY OF WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES IN JAPAN

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy will travel to Japan following an invitation by Japanese Foreign Minister Obuchi to represent Canada at the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Nagano on February 7, 1998.

"It is my pleasure to attend the opening of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games," said Minister Axworthy. "I am confident that Japan will make this a very successful event, and I look forward to strong performances by Canadian athletes in Nagano."

Minister Axworthy will also meet with his Japanese counterpart Foreign Minister Obuchi and representatives of other governments to discuss bilateral and international co-operation, including Canada's bid for UN Security Council membership and the Canadian-led initiative to ban anti-personnel land mines. Last December, in Ottawa, Japan joined 122 other states as a signatory of the land mines treaty.

"Japan is an increasingly important partner for Canada at all levels. I am particularly grateful for the compassion demonstrated by Japan to Canadian victims of the devastating ice storm. This gesture illustrates the strong friendship that exists between the Canadian and Japanese people," said Mr. Axworthy, in reference to a recent financial contribution by the Japanese government. The relief package is being managed by the Canadian Red Cross to assist victims of the January ice storm in Eastern Canada.

The 18th Winter Olympic Games will take place in Nagano, Japan, from February 7 to 22, 1998.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

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's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca