State Visit by the President of the Republic of the Philippines

During the official welcoming ceremony, the President of the Philippines conducted the inspection of the guard of honour.

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston welcomed His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, on the occasion of his State visit to Canada.

The President also offered remarks and a toast.

Later in the evening, Their Excellencies hosted a State dinner in honour of the President's visit to Canada: "This is your first visit to Canada, yet I was delighted to see that you are forging somewhat of a family tradition. Your mother visited this nation in 1989, the first president of the Philippines to conduct a State visit. More than 25 years later, we are pleased to greet you in the same spirit of friendship and co-operation," said the Governor General.

To mark his visit to Rideau Hall, the President planted a red spruce right beside his mother's tree.

The President of the Philippines had the opportunity of seeing the red maple that was planted by his mother, former president Corazón Aquino, during her State visit to Canada in November 1989.

The Governor General and the President then had a courtesy call. The President’s visit focuses on building on people-to-people ties, strengthening trade and investment relationship, and expanding co-operation on development and regional security between Canada and the Philippines.

The President even had a photo session with members of the Filipino community.

The President of the Philippines delivered a speech on this occasion.

Members of the Filipino community were on hand to welcome him.

The State dinner was held in the Ballroom at Rideau Hall.