NEWS RELEASESMarch 13, 1998 No. 56 KILGOUR TO ATTEND ANNUAL MEETING OF INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK David Kilgour, Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa), will represent Canada at the 39th annual meeting of the board of governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Cartagena, Colombia, from March 16 to 18. Kilgour is attending on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and International Co-operation Minister Diane Marleau, who is responsible for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Kilgour will address the board of governors and will meet with ministers and senior officials from several countries in the region. "The Inter-American Development Bank plays a vital role in the region's economic and social evolution," said Kilgour. "We expect the bank to continue its constructive work in advancing the agenda of the upcoming Santiago Summit -- in particular, the elimination of poverty and discrimination in the hemisphere." The IDB is the most important lender for development projects in the region, providing about $7 billion annually. Canada is the bank's sixth-largest shareholder, and thus far has made available $228 million (US$161 million) for lending. The IDB was created in 1959, and is the largest and oldest of the world's regional development banks. The bank has 46 members, including countries from Latin America, the Caribbean and the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). Canada has been a member of the bank since 1972, and CIDA is responsible for Canada's relations with the bank. - 30 - For further information, please 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 Media Relations Office Canadian International Development Agency (819) 953-6534 This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca |