Rideau Hall, Tuesday, January 26, 2016

I’d like to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall.

Today is a celebration of friendship.

Each of you is here representing your country and your people, and your objectives here in Canada are twofold. First, you will be searching for new opportunities to work together with Canadians. Second, you will be sharing with us your heritage, your society and your history.

Ambassador García-López Loaeza, you have extensive experience in the diplomatic corps and public service. As such, you know how valuable it is to maintain open lines of communication. I was fortunate to have been able to strengthen our ties during my visit to your country in 2012 to attend the inauguration of President Peña Nieto.

Our two countries have enjoyed over 70 years of friendly diplomatic relations. We co-operate in numerous areas, including trade and investment, energy, security, governance, labour mobility, education and youth. Our two-way trade reached over $34 billion in 2014. I could go on, but as you can see, our countries have much to celebrate together. That is why your presence here is so important. We must continue to strengthen these ties and look for every opportunity to collaborate. I look forward to speaking with you about that.

Ambassador Ovind, Rideau Hall and the Royal Norwegian Embassy are quite familiar with each other, as our Winter Celebration brings us together every year. This year was no different, as your embassy had Canadians try out giant skis, one of the more popular events with visitors.

Our two countries have so many ties, particularly in global security and the environment, and we’re fortunate to have someone with your background representing Norway. As Arctic nations, we share not only similar weather—Canada’s deep winter chill will be quite familiar to you—but also similar interests. We work closely together on the Arctic Council and in other fora to the benefit of our peoples and the environment.

Most importantly, we are brought together by the more than 450 000 Canadians who claim Norwegian ancestry. As you begin to explore this country, you will no doubt find many similarities, as well as many differences, between our peoples.

High Commissioner Karim, welcome back to Canada. I hope you and your family will have many opportunities to create new memories here and to continue the work that you started more than 20 years ago. Since you were here on your very first posting, you have gained valuable experience serving your country around the world. I’m interested to hear how your time in Canada may have helped you to learn and to grow as a diplomat.

Malaysia is an important partner for Canada in Southeast Asia. In fact, I undertook my first State visit to your country in 2011, an experience that I will always remember. We work closely together in ASEAN and have collaborated in recent years on security concerns, including counter-terrorism, nuclear safety and training. I hope that we can find even more areas, such as trade, to strengthen our relationship. I look forward to speaking with you about the opportunities between our nations.

Ambassador Matkovic, this is not your first posting abroad, so you are well aware of the importance diplomacy plays in our relationship. I hope you’ll find excellent partnership opportunities here, particularly with the many Croatian-Canadians who live in Canada. They do much to keep our relationship robust, notably in business and trade. One well-known Croatian—your new prime minister—grew up and was educated in Canada, creating a wonderful new link for us to explore.

Our two countries share similar goals of security, prosperity and democracy in the world. One way to achieve these is by working together across multiple platforms and learning from each other. I’m also delighted that we have a Youth Mobility Agreement in place that allows young Canadians and Croatians to work in each other’s countries. What better way to get to know a country than by immersing yourself in that place? It is a valuable experience, and I’m pleased that people are taking advantage of the opportunities our close ties provide.

Ambassador Sayavongs, you have a broad knowledge of your country through the various positions you have held in your government. Your new posting here in Canada is a chance to add to your knowledge of other countries and peoples, and I hope that you will engage with Canadians. In particular, I know that you’ll be eager to speak with some of the 35 000 Canadians of Laotian origin.

Though our ties are modest, we are partners in La Francophonie and in ASEAN—now chaired by Laos since the beginning of the year. Over the years, we have worked together to address many issues, such as education, water, the rule of law, safety and security, and governance. I have no doubt you will find new ways to expand our relationship as you assume your new role.

Finally, let me welcome all of you to Canada. I hope that all of your tenures are productive and enjoyable.

Thank you.