Rideau Hall, Monday, September 15, 2008

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall, particularly since Canada, as you know, is in the midst of exercising one of the fundamentals of democracy. The election campaign is in full swing.

You will have a front‑row seat for debates on issues that are important to Canadians, and will have the opportunity to get a feel for the various opinions that run through Canadian society.

I would like to encourage you to take advantage of your tenure to go out to discover Canada, its huge territory, and to meet with Canadians.

You will find that they are open and share your hopes for peace, freedom and prosperity.

You will see that the rule of law, respect for human dignity, equality between women and men, freedom of speech and the responsibility to act, good governance, and sustainable development are values that we are committed to promoting, here at home and around the world.

These values are part and parcel of what our citizenship means to us and the role we want to play in the world.

I believe that as we move forward in the 21^st century, we will need to find values that all civilizations share.

The time has come, and I could not be happier, to rethink the world in terms of this map of shared values, rather than the borders that separate us.

But this map should not give rise to confrontation. Instead, it should bring cultures, civilizations together, which will inevitably lead to greater openness to one another.

In that spirit, we are delighted by the prospect of forging warm ties with all of you here, based on our common interests.

As a circumpolar neighbour, Iceland is one of Canada’s key partners, notably within the Arctic Council.

Ambassador Thordardottir, we are so pleased that the ties between us are growing stronger, and we are more determined than ever to build on the partnership that has been established between our countries with respect to free trade and air transportation.

Canada also intends to strengthen and extend our co‑operation with Israel as it celebrates its 60^th anniversary this year.

Ambassador Ziv, I want you to know that Canada continues to support your country in its efforts toward peace and stability.

Peace, stability, prosperity—this is what Canada wants most for the people of Malawi.

Ambassador Ndilowe, the progress that your country has made in terms of its economy, governance and development is remarkable.

In 2009, it will be your country’s turn to hold elections, and it will be the perfect opportunity to make further strides in Malawi’s democratic process.

I have no doubt that each of you will inject new vigour into the trade, diplomatic, cultural and social relations that unite us.

Continuing our dialogue, strengthening our ties and pooling our efforts and energies: this is what we should focus on throughout your mandate, strong in the friendship that binds us.

I believe profoundly in diplomacy at the human level. And so, to friendship, to sharing, and to solidarity!