State visit to the Republic of Hungary

At the request of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and her husband, His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, are conducting a State visit to the Republic of Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Slovenia, from November 24 to December 6, 2008.

Their Excellencies were officially welcomed to the Republic of Hungary during a ceremony with military honours, at 10 a.m., on Monday November 24, 2008, at St-Georges Square, Sándor Palace, Budapest.

Canada and Hungary enjoy close relations. The ties between Canada and Hungary date to waves of immigration in the late 19th century.

Canada is best known in Hungary as a refuge for those who fled after the 1956 Revolution.

Today, over 315,000 people residing in Canada claim Hungarian descent. They make up an important ethnic community, and contribute to Canada's national diversity.

The Canadian community in Hungary plays an active role in the life of Budapest and other towns. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary, established in 1993, is actively involved in the organization of business-related and social events.

Flags from Canada and Hungary are flown on the Chain Bridge located in the heart of Budapest.