February 2, 2007 (2:00 p.m. EST)
No. 20

MINISTER MACKAY TO VISIT BRAZIL AND MEXICO

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced that he will travel to Brazil and Mexico from February 5 to 8 to bolster Canada’s ties with these two countries.

“I am looking forward to visiting Brazil and Mexico, which we count as important friends and strategic partners on many fronts,” noted Minister MacKay. “I anticipate productive discussions to further advance our common interests.”

Minister MacKay will first travel to Brazil, where he will have discussions with Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs Celso Amorim on hemispheric and global issues. While there, Minister MacKay will address the Opening Ceremony of the Joint Canada-Brazil Seminar on the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti. Both Canada and Brazil are playing an important role in security and development efforts in that country. Minister MacKay will also meet with the Governor of São Paulo, José Serra, as well as with Canadian and Brazilian business leaders.

Minister MacKay will next travel to Mexico City on February 7 and 8, where he will meet with his new counterpart, Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa and Mexican congressional leaders. Minister MacKay will also address the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico on the occasion of its 25th anniversary on February 8.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca