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August 25, 1999
(Executive Council)


Diplomatic Forum to be held in province

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel announced today that St. John's has been chosen to host the 1999 Atlantic Canada Diplomatic Forum, organized by the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, from November 4 to 8.

The objective of this forum is to provide foreign heads of diplomatic missions in Canada with a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of emerging trends and issues in the country, and regional perspectives on national and local issues. The forum provides participants with an opportunity to discuss these issues in an informal though structured setting. The 1998 Diplomatic Forum was held in Banff, Alberta, and was attended by close to 300 delegates.

"The Diplomatic Forum will be an excellent opportunity to showcase our province to influential representatives of countries throughout the world," Minister Noel said. "It will provide them with considerable insight into the issues facing the Atlantic region, particularly Newfoundland and Labrador, and give diplomats an opportunity to meet with business and community leaders, which should prove to be of real benefit to all involved.

"In an era of increasing globalization, it is important for our province to make the connections with representatives from other countries that this opportunity provides. It will be a great chance for these ambassadors and high commissioners to get to know our region and our province. It is also an excellent occasion for our province to promote issues and endeavours with which these important officials could be very helpful allies."

The Diplomatic Forum is being organized by the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in cooperation with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Intergovernmental Affairs. Approximately 300 delegates are expected to attend. Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stephane Dion, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Pierre Pettigrew, Minister for International Trade, and George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) will attend. The Atlantic Canadian premiers will also be invited. The federal ministers and Premier Brian Tobin will be official speakers during the proceedings.

Media contact: Ron Fitzpatrick, Communications, (709) 729-2077.

1999 08 25                             10:15 a.m.


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