Canadian ambassador welcomes visit of Dubai 2003 General Coordinator to Canada in April

Mr. Hutton made the remarks at a meeting with Mr. Belselah that was held within the framework of meetings between the diplomatic corp in the UAE and Dubai 2003 to coordinate their efforts to help ensure the successful participation of each foreign delegation and that the respective countries benefit from their presence at these two prestigious meetings.

Mr. Hutton, who was accompanied on his visit by the Canadian Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner in Dubai, Ms. Anne Argyris, also welcomed the visit to Canada in April by Mr. Belselah as part of a delegation put together by the Dubai Chamber of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

The Canadian ambassador said that his meeting would pave the way for the Canadian embassy in the UAE to establish strong contacts with Dubai 2003 officials ahead of the meetings in September for the purpose of assisting the participating Canadian delegation and providing its members quicker access to senior UAE government officials.

Mr. Hutton also spoke about Canada's successful experience in the UAE and on the strong bilateral relations. Mr. Hutton observed that there was an increase in the number of students visiting Canada from Middle Eastern countries to pursue their higher education.

He also said the annual meetings would be a great opportunity to create greater awareness about Canada in the UAE.

Mr. Belselah said that his forthcoming visit to Canada as part of the DCCI delegation would present him a wonderful opportunity to explain to Canadian audiences the work being done by Dubai 2003 to host the Annual Meetings, the biggest event of its kind ever held in the Middle East.

Mr. Belselah said that during his visit to Canada he would underline the fact that Dubai had a number of positive features for hosting the event including economic stability, vast experience in organising major international events and its world-class infrastructure.

Canada's Senior Trade Commissioner in Dubai, Ms. Anne Argyris expressed willingness to arrange and coordinate meetings for Mr. Belselah with high-level Canadian officials during his visit to Canada in April

The Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund were first held in Washington DC in 1946. They are hosted by an international city one year in three. Dubai and the UAE was selected because of its highly developed transportation and logistics infrastructure, growing importance as a financial hub and its established position as an oasis of opportunity.

ENDS