13 October 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Governor General Michaëlle Jean will conduct an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia and state visits to the Republic of Croatia and the Hellenic Republic (Greece) from October 21 until October 31, 2009. She will be accompanied by a small delegation of Canadians representing a variety of interests including diversity, governance, arts and culture, and civic and youth engagement. She will be accompanied by her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, in Greece.
Her Excellency will undertake a program of events aimed at strengthening the ties between Canada and the three countries. She will meet with heads of state and government representatives in all three countries, take part in discussions with academics and representatives from a wide cross-section of civil society and attend a number of cultural events.
In Slovenia and Croatia, the Governor General will highlight our relations through academic and cultural links and will underscore the importance Canada attaches to its growing relationship with these two countries.
The visit to Greece will showcase Canada's firm support of the Olympic spirit with the Governor General's participation in the Olympic Torch Handover Ceremony on October 29 in Athens, and a program at Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
These visits by the Governor General will play an important role in projecting a positive image of contemporary Canada and Canadian values and promoting the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
For more information on the state visit to Europe, including the full itinerary, please consult http://www.gg.ca
