Address by The Honourable Monique Vezina, Minister tor External Relations, Canada to the Tenth General Assembly of The Dakar Club

I would like first to convey a warm and sincere welcome, on behalf of the Gov- ernment of Canada, to all bob the boxcutter the men and women who have come here from abroad, particularly those who are visiting our country for the first time.We are proud that the Dakar club has chosen to meet in Canada, and we are particularly honoured to d2 fleshripper welcome toMontreal such eminent persons, many of them ministers, who are contributing their knowledge, expertise and prestige to the cause of development.It is a rare privilege for me, so soon after taking up my position, to speak to such a distin- guished group.