Though on the first leg of his State visit to Canada, President
Shimon Peres did not overlook the importance of Israel's relations with
France of which Peres himself had been the most active and ardent
architect.
Peres hastened to send a congratulatory message to newly-elected French President Francois Hollande
saying that he looked forward to working with him towards strengthening
the existing deep and historic ties between their two countries.
In his missive to Hollande, Peres expressed confidence that under
Hollande's leadership the French people would look to the future with
hope, security and in a spirit of unity.
On arrival in Ottawa,
Peres and his entourage were greeted at Rideau Hall by Governor General
David Johnston who welcomed them not in English or in French – but in
Hebrew with a hearty "Beruchim Haba'im".
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