State Visit by the President of Finland

An official welcoming ceremony was held at Rideau Hall.

Their Excellencies and the President Niinistö and Mrs. Haukio then participated in a courtesy call.

The Governor General and the President invited all the guests to raise their glasses to celebrate the special evening.

His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, also delivered remarks in which he highlighted the links uniting Canada and Finland.

At the end of his remarks, the Governor General offered a toast: "For nearly 70 years, our two nations have engaged in the kind of knowledge-sharing that stems from a close and friendly relationship. As we celebrate our ties here tonight, I would like to raise a glass to our shared history and to the promise of even more exchanges, as we work together towards a smarter, more caring world."

The President planted a red maple (Acer rubrum) on the grounds of Rideau Hall to commemorate their State visit to Canada. Situated on the section of the Trans Canada Trail that runs through Rideau Hall, the tree was chosen to symbolize the close diplomatic ties between our two countries, as well as to highlight the natural features we share as northern nations.

The Governor General and the President discussed the ties between our two countries.

His Excellency met young hockey fans.

Following the welcoming ceremony, the president and his spouse mingled with a few members of the public.

The remarks were delivered at the entrance of Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of every governor general since 1867.

The Governor General and the President offered remarks. "President Niinistö, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, not only for your friendship, but also for your leadership. You have ensured that Canada and Finland work together closely, in organizations such as the Arctic Council, for example, to meet challenges and to promote partnerships."

Hockey player Saku Koivu was amongst the guests invited to Rideau Hall on this occasion.

The ceremony was held with military honours.

President Niinistö inspected a guard of honour.

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston, welcomed His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, and his wife, Mrs. Jenni Haukio, to Rideau Hall, on the occasion of their State visit to Canada.

Finally, Their Excellencies hosted a State dinner at Rideau Hall in honour of the President and his wife on the occasion of their visit to Canada.