December 3, 1998 (11:45 a.m. EST) No. 281

KILGOUR TO VISIT MEXICO CITY

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour will discuss a wide range of foreign policy issues with Mexican officials and participate in events highlighting the role of people with disabilities during a visit to Mexico City on December 4 and 5.

"The Canada-Mexico relationship is deepening and maturing, and has moved beyond formal political and economic links to include a range of social and cultural issues," said Kilgour.

On December 4, Kilgour will meet with Juan Rebolledo, the Undersecretary for North America and Europe; Luis Ponce de Léon Armenta of the National Human Rights Commission; and Alan Arias, assistant to Mexico's Federal Co-ordinator for Chiapas.

On the same day, Kilgour will also visit a centre for children with disabilities in Mexico City run by the Association for People with Cerebral Palsy. The Canadian Embassy in Mexico has contributed $18 500 to the project through its Canada Fund to equip the centre's gymnasium for use in rehabilitation. The majority of the 50 children using the centre come from poor families who would otherwise be unable to afford such services.

On December 5, Kilgour will address the Fifth World Assembly of Disabled Peoples International, a grassroots non-government organization based in Winnipeg, which promotes the rights of people with disabilities.

"For our work in alleviating poverty and promoting democracy in the region to be successful, it must both recognize the contributions of the disabled to society and address their special needs," said Kilgour.

As part of his program in Mexico City, Kilgour will also meet with professors of Canadian Studies and Canadian business people.

- 30 -

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