Rivlin hosts first official visit by Canadian governor general

President Reuven Rivlin hosts an official welcoming ceremony for Governor General of Canada David Johnston, on the first-ever official visit to Israel by a governor general.

“It is a great honor to welcome you to Israel and to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people,” says Rivlin, according to a statement from his office.

Rivlin praises “the close friendship between the people of Israel and the people of Canada,” adding that Israel is “proud of the partnerships between us in trade, in academia, in culture, in technology, in medicine, and much more.”

Speaking to the media in Jerusalem, the two leaders raise the issue of the peace process with the Palestinians.

“I believe that we can find an end to this conflict, and build trust between us,” Rivlin says. “But there must be an end to incitement, and an end to terrorism. We are not doomed to live together, we are destined to live together.”

Johnston, who arrives in Israel after talks with King Abdullah of Jordan, says: “I would like to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to work with Israelis, Palestinians and other partners to uphold the prospects of a two-state solution, and achieve a just and lasting peace.”