News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER WELCOMES CZECH PRIME MINISTER MIREK TOPOLÁNEK

February 19, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the Czech Prime Minister, Mirek Topolánek, will visit Canada from February 28 to 29, 2008.

"Canada and the Czech Republic share a commitment to a principled foreign policy that promotes the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Our two countries enjoy a strong bilateral relationship and we cooperate through multilateral diplomacy as reflected in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, and our work in organizations such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)," said Prime Minister Harper.

"This year also marks an important anniversary in the history of Canada and the Czech Republic and for members of the Czech-Canadian community in particular – the 40th anniversary of the Prague Spring. In 1968, Canada opened its doors to thousands of Czechs fleeing totalitarianism in search of freedom, and throughout the long years of Communist dictatorship, Canada offered firm support to Czech dissidents. As we mark this important date in our shared history, I am pleased to welcome Prime Minister Topolánek to Canada, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the friendship between our two countries."

Prime Minister Topolánek will meet with Prime Minister Harper in Ottawa. He will be accompanied by Czech Minister of Defence Dr. Vlasta Parkanová. The two leaders will discuss Canada-Czech cooperation in Afghanistan, the Czech Presidency of the European Union in 2009, as well as broader international security and economic matters.

Prime Minister Topolánek will also visit Toronto, where he will attend the opening of a historic exhibition at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre. He will also meet representatives of the Czech-Canadian community, which includes over 80,000 members.

For more information, visit the following website: http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/geo/czech-republic-en.aspx.

For further information, media representatives may contact : Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at 613-995-1874 or online at www.international.gc.ca.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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