September 30, 1998 No. 224

CHINESE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER TO VISIT CANADA

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that Foreign Affairs Minister for the People's Republic of China, Tang Jiaxuan, will visit Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver from September 30 to October 5. During his visit, Mr. Tang will discuss a wide range of issues including arms control, environmental issues and the Canada-China human rights dialogue.

Canada and China have developed a useful and effective dialogue on human rights issues over the years. Highlights include:

• the creation of a Canada-China Joint Committee on Human Rights;

• bilateral projects on legal reform;

• an Asia-Pacific symposium on Human Rights, co-sponsored by Canada and China, which included independent human rights institutions from the region.

  "I look forward to discussing with the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister our efforts to further advance co-operation on human rights issues," said Mr. Axworthy.

  The two Ministers will also discuss progress on the flood relief efforts along the Yangtze and Songhua Rivers. Canada was one of the first countries to answer calls for help from the International Red Cross and the Red Cross Societies for flood relief in China. Canada has contributed a total of $1.2 million which has been used for the purchase of medical supplies, sanitation materials and water purification tablets.

  In Ottawa, Mr. Tang will meet with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Speaker of the Senate Gildas Molgat, Speaker of the House of Commons Gilbert Parent, Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, Minister for International Co-operation and Minister responsible for La Francophonie Diane Marleau and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan.

  In Calgary, Mr. Tang will attend the opening of the Chinese Consulate General. He will then travel to Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

  In Vancouver, Mr. Chan will host a dinner for Mr. Tang. "I am delighted to welcome Minister Tang to Canada. Everyday, I am encouraged by our strong bilateral relations and I am confident that Mr. Tang's visit will advance many of our common interests," said Mr. Chan.

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  For further information, media representatives may contact:

  Debora Brown

  Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

  (613) 995-1851

  Hilary Humphrey

  Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

  (613) 995-1852

  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