Israeli president travels to Niagara, Ottawa, Toronto on state visit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President of the State of Israel Reuven Rivlin arrive for a bilateral meeting at Wilson House in Chelsea, Que. on Monday, April 1, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA -- The president of Israel is in Ottawa on Monday, meeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau before laying a wreath at the new National Holocaust Monument.

Reuven Rivlin and Trudeau held a bilateral meeting at Willson House overlooking the frozen, picturesque Meech Lake in Gatineau, Que., just after the lunch hour.

As they sat down for discussions, Rivlin presented Trudeau with a pair of socks printed with a depiction of scenery in Jerusalem, telling the prime minister they were from his wife, who he said was aware of Trudeau's penchant for wearing uniquely patterned stockings.

Rivlin is in the country for three days -- he started with a visit to Niagara Falls on Sunday before taking up more official activities Monday and Tuesday.

The visit marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Israel, and Rivlin says he hopes to strengthen links in science, education and security.

Before meeting with the prime minister, Rivlin was formally welcomed to Ottawa at Rideau Hall by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette.

Rivlin is a former legislator in Israel's conservative-minded Likud party but his position as president is meant to be mostly apolitical.

After spending Monday in Ottawa, Rivlin moves on to Toronto on Tuesday.

Among other events there, he's to participate in a mass choir concert with hundreds of other people at a downtown hotel.