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Governor General announces State Visit to Germany and visit to Canadian Troops in Bosnia and HerzegovinaOctober 11, 2001 OTTAWA --- At the invitation of Dr. Johannes Rau, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada and His Excellency John Ralston Saul will travel to Germany for a State Visit from October 22 to 28, 2001. From there they will continue to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a working visit from October 29 to November 1, 2001. "In difficult times like these, we must stand firm in our values and not let ourselves be ruled by fear," said the Governor General. "It is vital that we carry on with our lives and our business." Their Excellencies will travel to Dresden, Berlin, Düsseldorf and Cologne. The senior cabinet minister accompanying the Governor General will be the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, in addition to a multi-party delegation of parliamentarians and a group of prominent scholars, artists, business and environmental leaders. In addition to meetings with President Rau and Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, the visit will include discussions and events with German counterparts on pluralism and the need for tolerance, immigration, literature and the arts, the impact of new technologies and the environment. "We need to talk about the values of open and tolerant democracies now more than ever. We are particularly looking forward to doing this with our friends and allies in Germany," said the Governor General. "We have an excellent relationship with Germany. By bringing a varied group of distinguished Canadians to meet and talk with as many of their counterparts in Germany as possible, we will give a clear idea of the dynamism and unique diversity of our society." At the recommendation of the government, Governors General travel abroad on State Visits, playing an important role in furthering Canada's international relations in countries around the world. Following the state visit, the Governor General, John Ralston Saul and Minister Dion will make a working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They will meet with the Bosnian leaders to express Canadian support for efforts to build a peaceful, democratic and tolerant country. The visit will give the Governor General, as Commander-in-Chief, an opportunity to talk with members of the Canadian Forces in the field, where they perform their important duties. They will also meet civilian Canadians who are also making a valuable contribution to peace, stability and the reconstruction of Bosnian society. "At this time, it is important to be with our troops and assure them that we value their work and support what they are doing," said the Governor General. "We want to show them that all Canadians understand the devotion and hard work being contributed by them and their families. We are proud of them." For the complete list, including biographies, of delegation members who will accompany the Governor General to Germany, as well as more background on State Visits visit our website at /gg/rr/sv/index_e.asp or contact the Rideau Hall Press Office. Information on Canada-Germany and Canada-Bosnia relations is available by contacting the media relations office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. For information on Canada's peacekeeping mission in Bosnia, contact the Department of National Defence. A detailed itinerary will be issued prior to the visit. Media information: Stewart Wheeler, Press Secretary to the Governor General Media Relations Media Relations |
