President Benigno S. Aquino III visits Canada starting tomorrow, Thursday, May 7th. President Aquino’s state visit to Canada will focus on building on our people-to-people ties, strengthening our trade and investment relationship, and expanding co-operation on development and regional security between Canada and the Philippines.
An official welcoming ceremony, with military honours, will be held at Rideau Hall. The Philippine president will conduct the customary inspection of the guard of honour at the Rideau Hall grounds.
Similar to the visits of past Philippine presidents, President Aquino will plant a tree on the grounds of Rideau Hall to commemorate his State visit to Canada. The tree will be a red spruce (Picea rubens) and will be located beside the sugar maple that was planted by his mother, former president Corazón Aquino, during her State visit to Canada in November 1989.
Their Excellencies, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will host a State dinner at Rideau Hall in honour of the Philippine president.
Canada activities
During the Canadian, Aquino is set to sign a memorandum of agreement to strengthen ties between the country and the Philippines. He will also extend the Filipinos’ gratitude for the help extended by Canada during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Canada has also lined up aid for local governments and entrepreneurs in the Philippines, he added.
“Ang ganitong pagsuporta nga ang nagpapatunay sa malaking potensiyal na nakikita sa ating bansa, at isa ang Canada sa mga bansang kasama natin sa pagpapayabong sa transpormasyon ng ating ekonomiya at lipunan,” Aquino said.
President Aquino, who is coming to Canada upon invitation of Canadian Governor General David Johnston, also pledged to bring home “good news” after his overseas trip.