October 19, 2004 Immediate Prime Minister Paul Martin today announced that Natsagiin Bagabandi, President of Mongolia, will pay a state visit to Canada as a guest of Governor General Adrienne Clarkson from October 19 to 27, 2004. While in Canada, President Bagabandi will visit Ottawa, Toronto, Regina and Vancouver. "The President's trip represents the most senior visit to Canada by a Mongolian dignitary since the establishment of diplomatic relations just over 30 years ago," said Prime Minister Martin. "We will use this occasion to strengthen our already positive political and economic relationship. Canada is Mongolia's second-largest investor and Canada supports Mongolia's emerging democracy as a model for other newly democratic states." In Ottawa on October 20, the President will hold meetings with Governor General Clarkson and Prime Minister Martin, and will attend a state dinner. On October 21, the President will attend a non-governmental organization roundtable discussion hosted by the International Development Research Centre, and meet with the speakers of the House of Commons and Senate as well as the parliamentary Canada-Mongolia Friendship Group. In Toronto from October 21 to 23, President Bagabandi will meet with Ontario Lieutenant Governor James Bartleman, representatives of the Canadian Mongolian community, members of the business community and federal Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Joseph Volpe. In Regina on October 24 and 25, he will meet with Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Dr. Lynda Haverstock, federal Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Raymond Chan, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture and Food Mark Wartman, as well as representatives of the business community. The President's trip will conclude in Vancouver, where he will give an address at the University of British Columbia's Liu Institute for Global Issues, and attend meetings with British Columbia Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo, Deputy Premier Shirley Bond, federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh and members of British Columbia's mining sector. - 30 - PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
