​(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson) 
 
President Reuven & First Lady Rivlin yesterday evening (Wednesday) hosted at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, a state dinner in honor of the visit of Governor General of Canada David Johnston and his wife Mrs. Sharon Johnston, marking the first official visit to the State of Israel by a Governor General of Canada.
 
President Rivlin greeted the Governor General and his wife and said, “Canada has been a true friend of Israel since its establishment and even before, and added, “In the last years, we have strengthened our partnership in the fields of technology, science, education, research and security. In recent months we renewed and expanded our research and development cooperation.”
 
The President stressed however that “Canada is also a country and society that we can look up to and learn from,” and noted that “Canada is a world leader in gender equality. Canada is the country of Nobel Prize Winner, Alice Monroe. Canada is the home of Lucy Montgomery, who brought Anne Shirly to the world and gave a role model for generations of young girls - including my own daughters.”
 
The President also noted that Israel like Canada, had two main spoken languages, and added his hope that more children in Israel would in the future speak both Hebrew and Arabic. He added, “This is a good way to build trust among the people.”
 
Governor General Johnston thanked the President and the First Lady for their warm welcome, and paid tribute to the memory of former President Peres who he noted he considered an inspiration. He turned to President Rivlin and said, “As President, you have served as Israel's conscience on many occasions, you have urged Israelis and the world to work together, both to strengthen our links and move towards peace in the region. Canada stands with you in this regard.”
 
Speaking of the importance of the partnership, and especially academic cooperation between the two peoples, the Governor General said, “Canadians from all sectors and levels have come here to learn from and work with you.” He added, “Canada continues to look to Israel for new partnerships, new ideas, and new ways of innovation. Canadians too are innovation driven in diverse areas.”
 
He concluded, “Israel provides the world with the hope of new ideas and new innovations and Canada is privileged to be part of that.”