Ukraine and Norway. Two countries I am longing to go on a State visit because of our long-standing relationships and everything we have in common today.

There are over one million Canadians of Ukrainian origin and they can trace their first roots here back to the 19th century. Fleeing famine and repression, thousands of Ukrainians were welcomed in Canada and today their descendants are the second largest Ukrainian population in the world.

Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence in 1991. More recently, the 2004 Orange Revolution was a significant time in the transition towards democracy wanted so much by Ukrainian civil society, and Canada followed this historic moment closely. Last year, we welcomed President Viktor Yushchenko to Ottawa, an important sign that we wanted to strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries.

Canada strongly supports Ukraine’s aspiration to be a part of the community of NATO member countries and continues to support the country’s institutions and their reforms, which help strengthen good governance. The Ukrainian economy, also in transition, was hit hard by the global financial crisis. This State visit will be an opportunity to reaffirm our solidarity in these difficult times. We have planned to meet with citizens and I am looking forward to hearing the concerns of the women and men working on the ground with local organizations. I will also meet with Ukrainian leaders to discuss their strategies for emerging from this crisis. The members of the Canadian delegation who will be accompanying my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I will also take part in the discussions and share their perspectives. In the spirit of diplomacy on a human level, dialogue will be at the heart of this visit.

Canada also has a very solid relationship with Norway. This State visit will be an opportunity to explore new areas for partnerships and to highlight our concerns and priorities in terms of sustainable and human development in the Arctic. Together, Canada and Norway have always promoted circumpolar cooperation in the Arctic Council, which they helped to create. Norway is a dynamic leader in many ways. Consider the University of Tromso, the northernmost university in the world, with its high-tech research and teaching centres. It makes all the difference and contributes largely to improving the living conditions and levels of professionalism of the native Sami population in its vast territory. Consider also Norway’s extremely innovative initiatives for a green economy that focuses on its environmental impact. Social engagement is a way of life with Norwegians, many of whom work for non-governmental organizations. Norway prides itself in making enormous investments in education and the cultural sector, which it sees as a tool for growth. We will hold a number of discussion forums in Norway on these issues, which are of great interest to the delegation.

Once again, I invite you to follow the memorable moments of the visit on this site and to share your ideas.