The Honourable Andromache Karakatsanis, Deputy to the Governor General of Canada, to welcome the President of the Slovak Republic for a State visit

January 29, 2024

OTTAWA, Ontario—On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, Justice Karakatsanis, Deputy to the Governor General of Canada, will host a series of events on January 30, 2024, as part of the State visit of Her Excellency Zuzana Čaputová, President of the Slovak Republic, and Mr. Juraj Rizman.

This State visit is an important opportunity to celebrate the strong Canada-Slovakia relationship, and affirm Canada’s commitment to promoting and protecting the rules-based international order and the rule of law; furthering environmental efforts; and supporting gender equality initiatives, particularly as they relate to the issue of digital respect.

President Čaputová is an acclaimed former public interest lawyer who has worked extensively on environmental issues, for which she received the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize. A long-standing supporter of democratic values, she has advocated for greater transparency in government, improved care for children affected by abuse, and the advancement of gender equality and human rights commitments.

Times are indicated in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Ottawa

9:30 a.m.
Welcoming Ceremony with Military Honours
Justice Karakatsanis will greet President Čaputová and Mr. Rizman upon their arrival at Rideau Hall. Justice Karakatsanis and President Čaputová will deliver remarks and inspect a guard of honour.
Grounds of Rideau Hall
OPEN TO MEDIA

10:15 a.m.
Tree-Planting Ceremony
President Čaputová and Mr. Rizman will participate in a tree-planting ceremony, a Canadian tradition symbolizing friendship and co-operation between nations.
Grounds of Rideau Hall
OPEN TO MEDIA

18:55 p.m.  
Official State dinner photo
Justice Karakatsanis will take part in an official photo with President Čaputová and Mr. Rizman.
Rideau Hall
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

19:00 p.m.  
State Dinner
Justice Karakatsanis will host a State dinner for President Čaputová and Mr. Rizman, as well as Canadian and Slovak dignitaries. Justice Karakatsanis, President Čaputová and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will deliver remarks.
Ballroom, Rideau Hall
POOLED MEDIA COVERAGE – During speeches only

Notes for media

  • Due to illness, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, is not able to participate in this State visit. The Honourable Andromache Karakatsanis will act as deputy to the Governor General of Canada on this occasion.
  • All media must be accredited by the Parliamentary Press Gallery.
  • To guarantee your access, we ask that you please confirm your attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office in advance via media@gg.ca.
  • Media are asked to arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 30 minutes before the event’s start time.
  • Photos taken by the Governor General’s official photographer will be made available upon request via media@gg.ca.

Related links:

Media information:
Rideau Hall Press Office
media@gg.ca

Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca

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