The message reads, in particular:
“In Russia, your large personal contribution to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between our countries and peoples is widely known. Your state visit in September 2003, the first visit of a Canadian Governor General to Russia, was an important step for Russian-Canadian relations. I consider your visit to Moscow in May 2005 on the 60 th anniversary of the victory of Nazism as equally important.
Knowing that you are a good friend to our country, I am confident that you will be able to promote the further expansion of friendly ties between Russia and Canada.”