Official Greeting

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon was at the steps of Air Force One and greeted the President in English and French, saying, "Bienvenue au Canada M. Le Président, au nom du gouvernement. Welcome to Canada Mr. President, on behalf of our Government." Cannon later said he was delighted to have welcomed Barack Obama for the start of his "historic day." "The President thanked me. He said he was pleased to be here and thanked everyone for the warm welcome and reception," Cannon said in a statement. "Today's meeting is about establishing a relationship between Prime Minister Harper and President Obama - a chance for the two leaders to get to know each other on a personal level," Cannon said. "I look forward to working on our common agenda today and in the months ahead." -- Bruce Campion-Smith