State Visit to Mongolia - Day 1

Accompanied by Ms. Julie Veloo, Vice-President of the Veloo Foundation, Her Excellency toured the facilities.

The President of Mongolia also met members of the Canadian delegation.

The Governor General and the President met in the State Ger to discuss Canada and Mongolia’s strong bilateral relations with the President. The meeting in the State Ger is an important part of Mongolian protocol and draws its origins from traditional hospitality offered between senior leaders.

At the same time, Her Excellency met with Her Excellency Khajidsuren Bolormaa, First Lady of Mongolia, to discuss their mutual interests.

An expanded meeting with the official and accompanying delegations took place following the meeting in the State Ger.

This expanded meeting highlighted Canada’s numerous partnerships with Mongolia and focus on prosperity, peace and security.

Following the expanded meeting, His Excellency and the President of Mongolia delivered media statements.

"The past four decades have been marked by growing co-operation between our two countries, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Mongolia for being such good friends and partners of Canada," stated the Governor General. "Our relationship is grounded in shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We have enjoyed and continue to benefit from strong commercial ties, particularly in the realm of resource development, and today our partnerships are growing increasingly diverse. Our bond is evolving beyond the single thread of commerce to include collaboration in a wide range of bilateral agreements and international organizations."

His Excellency then met with His Excellency Zandaakhuu Enkhbold, Speaker of the State Great Khural, to discuss new ways to strengthen Canada and Mongolia’s increasingly diverse relationship.

During a special ceremonial session, His Excellency delivered an address before the State Great Khural to acknowledge the 40th anniversary of Canada-Mongolia diplomatic relations as an important milestone in the evolving and strengthening relationship between both countries.

Ahead of the first-ever Canadian Education Fair in Mongolia (October 27-29, 2013), His Excellency then participated in an education round table with Canadian academics and Mongolian stakeholders.

The Governor General and His Excellency Tsahia Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia, inspected the military guard of honour.

Their Excellencies posed with the President and First Lady of Mongolia.

Their Excellencies were both presented with flower bouquets by young girls in traditional dress.

That afternoon, Her Excellency visited the Children of the Peak Sanctuary, a development aid project founded by a Canadian organization and aimed at helping vulnerable children in Ulaanbaatar.

Her Excellency also participated in reading and craft activities with children attending the kindergarten class.

Mr. Scott Simms, member of Parliament for Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor and member of the Canadian delegation also visited the Children of the Peak Sanctuary.

The Children of the Peak Sanctuary primarily supports 40 children from underprivileged families that have recently migrated from rural areas to Ulaanbaatar.

The sanctuary's goal is to advance the children’s social, intellectual and physical development through various activities, including group play, educational games, and lessons in nutrition, basic hygiene and English.

That evening, Their Excellencies attended a State dinner hosted by the President of Mongolia.

This State dinner was held in honour of Their Excellencies' visit to Mongolia.

The State dinner was held at the Khan-Uul Palace in Ulaanbaatar.

The official welcoming ceremony was held at Chinggis Khaan Square in Ulaanbaatar.

On October 25, 2013, Their Excellencies were officially welcomed to Mongolia by His Excellency Tsahia Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia, and his spouse.

The participants discussed how they can further Canada-Mongolia collaborations in the field of educational development and work across borders to better share their knowledge.