Governor General of Canada pays official visit to Slovakia

The President of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Gašparovič, and his wife, Silvia Gašparovičová, welcomed the Governor General of Canada, Michaëlle Jean, and her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, to the Presidential Palace.

This was the first official visit the Canadian couple has paid to the Slovak Republic in its history. After the welcoming ceremony, the guests and the Slovak presidential couple engaged themselves in a short discussion, which was then followed by bilateral negotiations. President Gašparovič was pleased to have a chance to meet with the Governor General of Canada, as this was the first official visit by a top representative of Canada to Slovakia in its history.

The Slovak president mentioned the waves of Slovak emigrants to Canada in the 20th century who were looking for better social conditions and who were thankful to the country that received them as equal citizens. Mr. Gašparovič also noted the fine cooperation between Slovakia and Canada in various international institutions, the UN and NATO, where both countries share similar opinions regarding key issues.

The president pointed out the cooperation between the Slovak and Canadian Peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan as an example. The Slovak president also mentioned the cooperation between Canada and the EU in the economic area. During their discussion, the presidents tackled the issue of the current global crisis and its impacts, and they both agreed on the need to find new ways of cooperation. For many years, the Governor General of Canada has been active in the area concerning respect for human rights and freedoms.

Mr. Gašparovič talked about the necessity of searching for possibilities for equal integration of all citizens into society. At the end of his address, the president expressed his belief that, after the official visit of the Governor General of Canada to Slovakia, “Canada will become our better friend, just like the Governor General.”

Michaëlle Jean said that her first official visit to Slovakia shapes the history. The information she received about Slovakia supported her opinion that Slovaks were proud of their identity, language and culture. Despite the geographical differences between the two countries, the Governor General noted similarities found in the building of solidarity and a civil society. “I am here as a friend of Slovakia, as our relations may develop thanks especially to the friendship. We are also here to strengthen these relations and to have this important discussion.”

During the visit, the Governor General of Canada intends to “pay tribute to the development of Slovak society. We would like to intensify the dialogue between our countries in order to fully use the potential of our relations,” Michaëlle Jean said. Canada is interested in building bridges in the spirit of brotherhood, friendship and partnership. This trend will be also supported by the easier mobility of citizens.

The Governor General emphasised the importance of the social and humane dimension of society and its sustainable model. At the end of the speech, the Governor General of Canada expressed her belief that during her visit to Slovakia she would have a chance to “discover Slovak society and make a joint effort to help in other parts of the world.” The Governor described the visit as a great chance to make this effort and implement the joint vision in the interest of respecting the needs of citizens.