France President Francois Hollande arrived in Canada today, launching a three-day state visit aimed at boosting trade and security ties between the two nations.
Hollande touched down in Calgary shortly after 10:10am (1710 GMT), beginning his trip in the oil-rich western province of Alberta that is home to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Hollande is the first French president to pay a state visit to Canada since Francois Mitterand in 1987.
After the Alberta leg of his trip, Hollande's delegation will move on to Ottawa, Quebec and Montreal.
Hollande, accompanied by some 40 French business leaders, is due to spend most of Sunday in Banff, the picture postcard town at the foot of the Rockies.
He is due to be received by Governor General of Canada David Johnston, the representative of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in the country.
Hollande is also due to meet provincial and business leaders from western Canada, where French entrepreneurs are keen to do business.
He will fly on to Ottawa later today, where he will speak before parliament tomorrow.
