Russian President to Visit CanadaRussian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to Canada on December 17-19 at the invitation of Canadian Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced Thursday, December 7."During this visit, I look forward to exchanging views on a wide range of global issues and identifying more areas where Russia and Canada can cooperate," said the prime minister in a statement. "We will also seek opportunities to develop deeper northern ties and increase investment and trade between our countries," he added. During his stay in Ottawa, Putin is expected to meet with the governor general, the prime minister and the speakers of the House of Commons and the Senate. The visit will also carry Putin to Canada's biggest city Toronto, where he will address the Empire Club of Canada and the Canadian Club of Toronto. This will be Putin's first official visit to Canada and his third meeting with Chretien. |
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