OTTAWA – Israeli President Shimon Peres has been officially welcomed to Canada.
He arrived at Rideau Hall Monday morning and sat down with Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a tete-a-tete.
Trade and security were at the top of the agenda as Harper discussed several matters with President.
The red carpet was rolled out for the Israeli president who says he is happy to be here. He pointed out that out two nations share strong ties.
“Canada supported us in our efforts to achieve peace and and to deter dangers. We are blessed with an outstanding Jewish community in Canada. They make our relations intensive,” said Peres.
He thanked Harper for his staunch support of Israel, and Canada for its 60 years of friendship.
“I sense that Canada is always positive, never indifferent, never neutral,” Peres said during his official welcome by the Governor General at Rideau Hall.
Peres received quite a welcome from the government.
RCMP officers on horseback escorted his limo to Rideau Hall, where he received full military honours with a 21 gun salute.
Canadian and Israeli flags are flying around Ottawa.
Peres will be the guest of honour at a state dinner at Rideau Hall, Monday night. On Tuesday, Peres will take part in a tree planting ceremony.
The Nobel laureate has been a fixture in Israeli politics since 1959, serving in 12 cabinets and twice as prime minister.
Israeli President Shimon Peres arrives at Rideau Hall with an RCMP escort
Israeli President shakes hands with Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird
Israeli President inspects the guard at Rideau Hall
Israeli President Shimon Peres signs the Parliament Hill guest book
Israeli President begins state visit in Ottawa
Cormac MacSweeney and The Canadian Press
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