Deb Bailey Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre; European Australian Business Council Mission to Europe

On Thursday 6 June 2013, at Government House, Sydney, the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, received a farewell call from the High Commissioner for Malta, His Excellency Mr Francis Tabone, accompanied by the Consul General for New South Wales, Mr Christopher Mercieca.

In the evening, at Macquarie University, the Administrator officially opened the Deb Bailey Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre.

Earlier, at Bratislava Airport, Republic of Slovakia, the Governor-General the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, were welcomed by the non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Slovakia, His Excellency Mr David Stuart.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, accompanied by members of the European Australian Business Council, attended a briefing by the Ambassador.

Later, at the Presidential Palace, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the President of the Slovak Republic, His Excellency Dr Ivan Gašparovič, attended a Ceremonial Welcome.

Then, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce met with the President of the Slovak Republic and the First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs Silvia Gašparovičova.

Afterwards, at the Government Office, the Governor-General, accompanied by members of the European Australian Business Council, attended a meeting hosted by the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, His Excellency Mr Robert Fico.

Later, at the Presidential Palace, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce attended a lunch hosted in their honour by the President of the Slovak Republic and the First Lady.

In the afternoon, at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Governor-General, as guest of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Dr Miroslav Lajčak, and accompanied by members of the European Australian Business Council, attended a forum hosted by the Slovak Atlantic Commission; the Centre for European Affairs; and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

Then, at the Ambassador’s Residence, Vienna, Republic of Austria, the Governor-General and Mr Bryce, as guests of the Ambassador to the Republic of Austria, His Excellency Mr David Stuart, and accompanied by members of the European Australian Business Council, attended a briefing followed by a reception.

Earlier, at the Volkswagon Factory, Bratislava, Mr Bryce, as guest of the Board Member, Mr Andreas Paschke, and accompanied by members of the European Australian Business Council, viewed the manufacturing plant and assembly hall.