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<title>DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER - VISIT OF ISRAELI PRESIDENT</title>
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<p><strong>March 5, 2002</strong></p>
<p>Media representatives are advised that John Manley, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, will host a business luncheon for
Moshe Katsav, President of the State of Israel, on Thursday, March 7, 2002. The event, which will include guests from both
the Canadian and Israeli business communities, takes place as both countries celebrate the fifth anniversary of the
Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. Open media coverage will be permitted for remarks and toasts at the beginning of the
lunch, however, media representatives must have valid press gallery photo identification.</p>
<p>President Katsav is visiting Ottawa with an Israeli business delegation from March 5 to 8.</p>
<p>Canada and Israel have a growing trade relationship, with two-way trade exceeding $950 million in 2001. This represents
an increase of more than 100 percent since the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 1997.</p>
<p><strong>Event: Deputy Prime Minister Manley hosts luncheon for Israeli President (open media coverage of opening
remarks and toasts)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, March 7, 2002</p>
<p><strong>Time: </strong>11:30 a.m.</p>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Confederation Ballroom 1, fourth floor</p>
<p>Westin Hotel</p>
<p>11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa</p>
<p>For more information, please contact:</p>
<p>Jennifer Sloan</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Deputy Prime Minister</p>
<p>(613) 952-4900</p>
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