STATE VISIT TO UNITED MEXICAN STATES - Arrival in Mexico City

At the request of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Their Excellencies are undertaking State visits to the United Mexican States, from December 6 to 9; to the Republic of Guatemala, from December 9 to 12; and to the Republic of Costa Rica, from December 12 to 15, 2009. The Minister of State Foreign Affairs (Americas), Peter Kent, will be a member of the official delegation for the State visits to Mexico and Guatemala.

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, arrived today in the United Mexican States to undertake a State visit from December 6 to 9, 2009.

Other members of the official welcoming party were at Mexico International Airport for the arrival of Their Excellencies. This visit will reinforce the already rich relationship between Canadians and Mexican authorities and citizens on the themes of joint security in North America, cultural diversity and economic competition.

Upon their arrival, Their Excellencies were welcomed by the Deputy Secretary for North America with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Julián Ventura.