June 23, 2010
OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond will welcome His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China, on the occasion of his State visit to Canada. The President is accompanied by one of the highest-level delegation ever to come to Canada, which includes four Deputy Premiers and five Ministers. The State visit, celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China, will highlight the friendship between our two countries.
“It is with great honour that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, our daughter Marie-Éden, and I will welcome His Excellency Hu Jintao, as this year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Canada,” said the Governor General. “Shortly after the President of China’s State visit, my family and I will be making a visit to China. This will give me an opportunity to continue the discussion with President Hu that I began here, and to strengthen the important, historical ties that unite our two countries.”
10:00 a.m. - Official welcoming ceremony
An official welcoming ceremony, with military honours, will be held at Rideau Hall. His Excellency Hu Jintao will conduct the inspection of the Guard of Honour. The Governor General and the President will offer remarks.
Rideau Hall grounds, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
POOLED MEDIA COVERAGE
10:30 a.m. - Meeting between Their Excellencies and His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China
Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
POOLED PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
11:00 a.m. - Reception and State luncheon
The Governor General and Mr. Lafond will host a State luncheon at Rideau Hall in honour of His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China.
Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
POOLED PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – Pooled media are invited to cover the official remarks at the beginning of the State luncheon in the Ballroom.
1:00 p.m. - Ceremonial tree planting
His Excellency Hu Jintao will plant a tree on the grounds of Rideau Hall to commemorate his State visit to Canada. The tree will be a bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), which was chosen because its wood is very strong, like the relations between Canada and China.
Rideau Hall grounds, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
POOLED MEDIA COVERAGE
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Additional information:
- The Canadian media pool is organized by the Parliamentary Press Gallery.
- The grounds of Rideau Hall will be closed to the public on Thursday, June 24, 2010.
- Events taking place at Rideau Hall during the State visit are not open to the public.
- All events are subject to change without notice.
Media information:
Annabelle Cloutier
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-8158
acloutier@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and
International Trade
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca
