Premier Williams pleased to meet with newly appointed Ambassador McKenna

Premier Danny Williams met with newly appointed Canadian Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Frank McKenna, while visiting Washington this week. The meeting was Ambassador McKenna's first official meeting with a provincial or territorial leader in his new role.

�I was delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to be Ambassador McKenna's first official meeting on his first day on the job,� said Premier Williams. �Our Canadian ambassadors play an important role abroad, and I believe it is important for provinces and territories to foster positive relationships with these individuals, in an effort to promote our issues and build networks.�

Premier Williams was in Washington attending the National Winter Governors Conference, specifically meeting with his counterparts from the New England States.

�I raised several issues of importance to Newfoundland and Labrador with Ambassador McKenna including energy and trade opportunities,� added Premier Williams. �I also discussed the issue of foreign overfishing which is increasingly gaining international attention. At the governors� meeting, I was delighted to hear a member of the President's staff indicate that President Bush takes seriously the issue of foreign overfishing. Our province has been fighting this issue for many years and it has often felt like a very lonely battle. Now, however, we have world leaders including Prime Minister Martin, finally recognizing the devastating impact of irresponsible and reckless fishing practices.�

Premier Williams indicated that he intends to pursue a productive working relationship with Ambassador McKenna. �We had a very productive first meeting, covering a variety of topics and I look forward to working with Mr. McKenna to further issues of importance to Newfoundland and Labrador.�

Premier Williams was also pleased with the outcome of his meeting with the New England governors. �We had a good agenda which included a number of topics of mutual interest to our respective regions. There are several opportunities that exist, including in the areas of hydro and natural gas development and supply, and trade. We currently have some very good trade relationships with the New England states, however, we are looking to expand those areas and identify new opportunities. My message to the New England governors was clear and simple - Newfoundland and Labrador has tremendous untapped potential, we are a great place to do business, and we welcome every opportunity to further develop our ties with the New England states.� The premier added he felt confident of a good turn out for this summer's New England Governors-Eastern Canadian Premier's Conference, being held in St. John's.

Premier Williams also met with the Assistant Secretary, Policy and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy, Karen Alderman Harbert. Ms. Alderman Harbert is one the highest ranking officials in the U.S. Department of Energy. �This meeting was crucial to potentially opening doors to opportunities in U.S. markets,� added the premier. �If we are to be successful at promoting ourselves internationally, we must meet face-to-face with the key players and lay out what Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer. Only then will we be taken seriously in this competitive global community. When we lay out what the province has to offer, people sit up and pay attention. They want to know more and we intend to capitalize on the opportunity that presents for the province.�

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500. elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 03 03                 12:40 p.m.