The series consists of photos taken during the official state visits of the following countries to Canada: Germany, Zimbabwe, Finland, Mexico, Uruguay, Korea, Denmark, Hungary, USSR, Argentina, Poland and the Ukraine. The series also consists of photos of visiting heads of state and royalty including: the Queen during her visits to Canada in 1990 and 1992, the Prince of Wales in 1991, the King and Queen of Jordan in 1992, President Vaclav Havel of Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic in 1990, the Prime Minister of Poland Tadeusz Mazowiecki in 1990, the President of Spain in 1990, Mikail Gorbachev in 1990, Princess Lillian and Prince Bertil of Sweden in 1990, Prince Salman of Saudi Arabia in 1991, the President of the Ukraine in 1991, the Princess of Thailand in 1991, Prince and Princess Takamado of Japan in 1992, Chinese Vice Premier Zhu in 1993, the President of Ireland in 1994, the Prime Minister of Belgium in 1994, the Prime Minister of Thailand in 1994, the President of Bénin in 1994, and the President of Mexico in 1994.
The series consists of photos of Governor General Hnatyshyn, Mrs. Hnatyshyn, staff, guests and others taken during official events such as: the presentation of letters of credence and letters of commission, the swearing in of the Prime Minister, new Ministers, Chief Justices, Senators, and Privy Councilors, awards ceremonies (including the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards and the Order of Canada), receptions, dinners, and conferences, and annual events and ceremonies such as Canada Day, the Rideau Hall garden party, Remembrance Day, and the New Year's Levée.
The series also consists of photos taken during Hnatyshyn's visit to Japan and Nova Scotia in 1990, the Royal Military College of Canada's Convocation in 1991, Hnatyshyn's visit to the Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan in 1990 and 1992, during his visit to the Yukon, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador in 1992, and his state visit to the Ukraine in 1992.
The series includes photos of Hnatyshyn with Prime Minister Joe Clark, Prime Minister Mulroney, Prime Minister Chrétien, Premier Robert Bourassa, and Maurice Richard.
Included in the series are seven photo albums. The albums document and commemorate Hnatyshyn's involvement in several events, including: the 25th anniversary of the Canadian flag in 1990; the 1993 Canada Day celebrations; a "Human Rights and Canadian Solidarity" event; the presentation of the Coat of Arms to the City of White Rock; visits abroad to Portugal and France; and his acceptance of an honourary degree from the University of Manitoba. The album documenting his visit to Portugal in November 1991 contains photographs of Hnatyshyn, and possibly Portuguese President Cavaco Silva and Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic Antonio (Moreira) Barbosa de Melo. The album documenting his honourary degree from the University of Manitoba was given to His Excellency Ramon Hnatyshyn by the President of the University of Manitoba Mr. Arnold Naimark, O.C. in December of 1992. The album consists of photos taken of His Excellency at the time of the conferring during a Special Convocation on October 23, 1992 and includes photos of: His Excellency Ramon J. Hnatyshyn, Dr. Arthur Mauro (Chancellor of the University), Dr. Arnold Naimark (President of the University), Dr. Henry E. Duckworth (former Chancellor of the University) and His Honour Dr. George Johnson (Lt. Governor of the Province of Manitoba). The album documenting his visit to France marks the 50th anniversary of the Normandy landings (D-Day), and is titled Cérémonies du 50ème anniversaire du débarquement allié en Normandie. The album includes photographs of Queen Elizabeth II, Beatrix of the Netherlands, Albert II of Belgium, Vaclav Havel, Lech Walesa, François Mitterand, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Jean Chrétien.
The series also consists of some personal photos.
