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<title>GRAHAM - VISIT TO MEXICO</title>
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<p><strong>March 13, 2002 No. 39</strong></p>
<p>Media representatives are advised that Bill Graham, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Mexico City, Mexico, on
March 14 and15, 2002, to meet with Mexican Foreign Secretary Jorge Castañeda and to address the opening session of the
Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas (FIPA).<font face="Arial"> </font></p>
<p>FIPA is an independent network of national legislatures in the member States of the Organization of American States. Its
purpose is to promote parliamentary participation in the inter-American system and to develop inter-parliamentary dialogue
on hemispheric issues. Parliamentarians from 23 of the 35 eligible countries in the Americas have confirmed their
participation in the meeting. The theme of the forum is "Security in the New Millennium: The Role of Legislators in
Enhancing Security in the Hemisphere."</p>
<p>Minister Graham was a founding member of the forum and its former executive chair, but resigned when he was appointed
as Foreign Minister.</p>
<p>After addressing the forum, Minister Graham will meet with Dr. Castañeda to discuss a number of bilateral and regional
issues of mutual interest.</p>
<p>While in Mexico, Minister Graham will also deliver a keynote address to the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Relations. Media
are invited for open coverage of these remarks. </p>
<p><strong>Media availability and a photo opportunity are scheduled as follows:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Introductory presentation for the FIPA opening session (open to the media)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, March 14, 2002</p>
<p><strong>Time: </strong>10:00 a.m. (approx.)<strong> <em>(TBC)</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Hotel Fiesta Americana Reforma </p>
<p>Paseo de la Reforma 80 </p>
<p><strong></strong>Mexico City, Mexico</p>
<p><strong>Photo opportunity: Minister Graham with</strong> <strong>Secretary Castañeda</strong></p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, March 14, 2002</p>
<p><strong>Time: </strong>1:00 p.m.<strong> </strong>(approx.)<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Ministry of Foreign Relations</p>
<p><strong>Keynote Speech to Ministry of Foreign Relations</strong></p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, March 14, 2002</p>
<p><strong>Time: </strong>5:15 p.m.<strong> </strong>(approx.)<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Ministry of Foreign Relations</p>
<p>For more information, please contact:</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221042934/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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