Premier concludes several key meetings in Washington, DC

Promoting the strategic advantages of Newfoundland and Labrador was the focus of Premier Danny Williams� trip to Washington, DC on February 27 and 28. The Premier met with Vice-Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher; Karen Harbert, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs at the US Department of Energy; Governor Don Carcieri (Rhode Island); and Governor Jim Douglas (Vermont).

"The opportunity to promote our province at such a high level is critical to positioning Newfoundland and Labrador on the international stage," said Premier Williams. "In a time when energy supply and demand issues continue to challenge political leaders around the world, it is has never been more important to promote the strengths and advantages offered by our energy industry."

Premier Williams updated Assistant Secretary Harbert on what has been taking place in the province since their meeting last year. "I reiterated the identified and potential oil and gas resources we have to offer, including our progress on the potential development of the Lower Churchill," added Premier Williams. "We also discussed our potential for new developments in areas such as natural gas, a new refinery and wind energy. Once again, it was very encouraging to see her interest in what we have to offer the North American market."

The Premier was especially pleased to meet with Vice-Admiral Lautenbacher, who is serving as the undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, and administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Governor Carcieri also participated in this meeting, where the three discussed the areas of mutual interest for Newfoundland and Labrador and Rhode Island for collaboration to achieve the objectives set out in the respective Ocean Action Plans of Canada and the US.

"We have a tremendous relationship with the New England states, in particular Rhode Island," said Premier Williams. "In January, we signed an MOU to strengthen cooperation and partnership in the field of ocean and marine technology. Our meeting with Vice-Admiral Lautenbacher allowed us to discuss opportunities that exist through collaboration on the development of ocean observing systems in the US and Canada.

Specifically, I presented our province�s strengths and capabilities in the marine technology sector and our desire to build partnerships to achieve common objectives. Newfoundland and Labrador and Rhode Island are positioned to lead the development of an integrated Ocean Observatory System (OOS) for the North West Atlantic. We also hope to work with Ireland to integrate this into a North East Atlantic OOS. The focus would be on industry cluster development and technology integration in both regions. This initiative will be especially beneficial in the areas of homeland security and weather forecasting and natural disaster warning system."

Overall, Premier Williams said the trip was a tremendous opportunity that built upon past meetings and successes.

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

2006 02 28                                        1:00 p.m.