Governor General of Canada Welcomes His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines

OTTAWA, May 6, 2015 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will welcome His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, on the occasion of his State visit to Canada. The President's visit will focus on building on our people-to-people ties, strengthening our trade and investment relationship, and expanding co-operation on development and regional security between Canada and the Philippines.

Itinerary of the President of the Philippines with the Governor General of Canada

Thursday, May 7

2 p.m. – Official Welcoming Ceremony
An official welcoming ceremony, with military honours, will be held at Rideau Hall. His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III will conduct the inspection of the guard of honour. The Governor General and the President will also offer remarks.
Rideau Hall grounds
OPEN TO MEDIA

2:30 p.m. – Meeting between Their Excellencies and the President of the Philippines
Large Drawing Room, Rideau Hall
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR POOL MEDIA– At the beginning of the meeting

3 p.m. – Ceremonial Tree Planting
The President will plant a tree on the grounds of Rideau Hall to commemorate his State visit to Canada. The tree will be a red spruce (Picea rubens) and will be located beside the sugar maple that was planted by his mother, former president Corazón Aquino, during her State visit to Canada in November 1989.
Rideau Hall grounds
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

6:30 p.m. – State Dinner
Their Excellencies will host a State dinner at Rideau Hall in honour of the President's visit to Canada.
Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
OPEN TO POOL MEDIA – Official photo at 6:15 p.m. in the Reception Room and remarks at the beginning of the State dinner in the Ballroom.

Media accredited with the Parliamentary Press Gallery must confirm their attendance in advance with the Rideau Hall Press Office. It is requested that members of the media arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to official events. For more information on accreditation, please contact the Parliamentary Press Gallery at 613-992-6517 or [email protected].

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SOURCE Government House

Marie-Ève Létourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, [email protected]