June 28, 2005
Prime Minister Paul Martin today announced that he will be in Dublin, Ireland, from July 4 to 5, 2005, and then in Perthshire, Scotland, to attend the Gleneagles G8 Summit from July 6 to 8, 2005.
In Dublin, the Prime Minister will meet with Irish President Mary McAleese and Prime Minister Bertie Ahern to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues facing the two countries and to promote trade and investment ties. Mr. Martin will also attend the Ireland Canada University Foundation awards ceremony. In addition, he will travel to the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation, where, in order to learn more about the situation in Northern Ireland, he will meet with peacebuilding experts and young participants in the Centre's activities.
At the G8 Summit, the Prime Minister and the other G8 leaders will discuss climate change and Africa. Mr. Martin will focus on the urgent need to address climate change and on building momentum toward a successful United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Montreal later this fall. With regard to Africa, the Prime Minister will stress the importance of the long-term G8-New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) partnership based on mutual accountability. Other issues to be addressed include the global economy, non-proliferation and counterterrorism. Leaders are also expected to discuss regional issues, and Mr. Martin hopes to advance support for efforts involving Darfur region in Sudan, Afghanistan, Haiti and the Middle East Peace Process.
"The G8 Summit provides a unique opportunity for leaders to work collectively to address global issues. G8 cooperation, in partnership with developing countries, is beneficial to Canadians and to the world," said Prime Minister Martin. "I am pleased with Canada's commitment to Africa and believe the time is right for leaders to reflect on progress made since the 2002 Kananaskis Summit in Alberta, when we launched the G8 Africa Action Plan."
The G8 is an informal group of eight developed democracies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union also participates and is represented by the President of the European Commission and by the leader of the country that holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union at the time of the G8 Summit (this year, the United Kingdom).
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