March 25, 1998 No. 71

FOREIGN MINISTER OF PERU TO VISIT CANADA

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy announced today that Canada and Peru will take concrete steps to expand bilateral relations during the visit to Ottawa from March 25 to 26 of Eduardo Ferrero Costa, the Foreign Minister of Peru.

The two Ministers will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will establish more regular, high-level links between the countries, and will guide discussions on a wide variety of issues, such as regional security, criminal justice co-operation, trade liberalization, governance and human rights.

"South America is a priority region for deeper political, social and economic links," said Mr. Axworthy. "As the Santiago Summit nears, Canada is committed to working more closely with Peru on a range of regional issues."

Canada and Peru will also sign a declaration of intent to negotiate a treaty on mutual legal assistance on criminal matters. The treaty would assist bilateral co-operation in combating transnational crime.

Finally, Canada and Peru will sign a Joint Declaration on Cultural Patrimony highlighting the importance both place on the protection of their cultural heritage.

While in Ottawa, Mr. Ferrero will also meet: Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray; International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi; David Kilgour, Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa); Bill Graham, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade; and Huguette Labelle, President of the Canadian International Development Agency.

- 30 -

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