Visit of the President of the Republic of Estonia
Their Excellencies welcomed His Excellency Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia and his spouse, Mrs. Evelin Ilves, at Rideau Hall on May 1, 2013, on the occasion of their State visit to Canada.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Marie Gingras Glinski, Rideau Hall GG2013-0185-013
President Ilves concluded his remarks by toasting to the friendship shared between Estonia and Canada.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0189-005
In honour of the President’s visit to Canada, Their Excellencies hosted a State dinner at Rideau Hall.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0189-003
A 21-gun salute was fired to welcome the President and his wife to Canada.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 WO Kevin Daly, Rideau Hall GG2013-0186-019
The President shook hands with students who were in attendance for the ceremonial tree planting.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0188-002
The President planted a red maple on the grounds of Rideau Hall to commemorate his State visit to Canada. The red maple (Acer rubrum) was chosen to symbolize the President’s ties to Canada.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0188-001
Following the official welcoming ceremony, a meeting took place inside Rideau Hall.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0187-002
A young girl from the Estonian community presented Mrs. Ilves with a bouquet of flowers.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0185-035
President Ilves also offered remarks.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0185-033
The Governor General delivered remarks: "Estonia and Canada share so many commonalities. Flowing from our historical ties, our people have time and again found ways to partner, sharing not only our knowledge, but also our culture with each other."
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0185-031
His Excellency greeted members of the Delegation of the Republic of Estonia in attendance.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0185-029
His Excellency Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia, conducted an inspection of a guard of honour.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0185-028
An official welcoming ceremony, with military honours, was held at Rideau Hall.
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Marie Gingras Glinski, Rideau Hall GG2013-0185-025
The Governor General proposed a toast to the President of the Republic of Estonia: "Canada and Estonia proudly share the values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, values for which your country has struggled to achieve and which Canada has supported throughout the years. And today, as we look back on the reestablishment of bilateral relations since your country’s independence, as we look back on the obstacles your people have overcome and the tremendous progress you have made, Canada is proud to call you and your people partners, allies, and, most importantly, friends."
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:00 Cpl Roxanne Shewchuk, Rideau Hall GG2013-0189-005