STATE VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF GUATEMALA - Official Welcoming Ceremony
The ceremony was held at the National Palace in Guatemala City, where Their Excellencies were welcomed with military honours.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0602-003
The Governor General participated in the Change of the White Rose for Peace Ceremony, an event that commemorates the signing of the Peace Accords ending Guatemala’s 36-year civil war.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0602-001
The Governor General also spoke : "Canada’s first State visit to Guatemala will allow us to measure the extent of our experiences, to evaluate the vibrancy of our exchanges and to explore new areas of co-operation and partnership to increase the prosperity of our peoples.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0602-034
Every day, the Army Honour Guard places a white rose on a monument in the courtyard of the National Palace, to celebrate another day of peace in the country and the renewed peace process.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0602-032
His Excellency Alvaro Colom Caballeros, President of the Republic of Guatemala delivered a speech.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0602-031
In honour of Their Excellencies' State visit to the country from December 9 to 12, 2009, the Guatemalan and Canadian flags are flown.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0602-029
On the first official day of her State visit to the Republic of Guatemala, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond attended an official welcoming ceremony with His Excellency Alvaro Colom Caballeros, President of the Republic of Guatemala.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0602-002
After their meeting, the Governor General and the President of the Republic of Guatemala made statements to the press. The Guatemalan president explained to the Governor General the importance his country places on programs carried out under the framework of the Council for Social Cohesion, which has ensured services to the most destitute of Guatemalans. The Governor General was also pleased to learn of the commitment by the Government of Guatemala to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, to combat social and economic marginalization, and to defend human rights.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0604-001
The Governor General and the President of the Republic of Guatemala discussed several issues on the bilateral agenda, which allowed for strengthening of the relations between the two countries.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0603-001
From the balcony, Their Excellencies and the President are waving at the crowd before their meeting.
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 12:00 Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall GG2009-0602-040