December 2, 2021

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Good day, bonjour, and welcome to Rideau Hall, which stands on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, who have lived on and cared for this part of the world for thousands of years.

What a wonderful time of year to be in Canada!

Winter is just around the corner. It’s already starting to feel like it, too.

Winter in Canada is an experience unto itself. I hope that you are able to get out and see how Canadians celebrate, even in the cold.

There is so much beauty in the ice and snow, and we are making every effort to preserve that beauty for future generations. I hope we can work together to achieve that goal.

High Commissioner Adnin, Canada and Malaysia share more than 60 years of friendly bilateral ties, going back to your country’s independence in 1957. Our two countries are also deepening our partnership, based on common interests and commitments, such as investment and trade. We are also collaborating on regional security, including through peacekeeping.

Our enduring ties, reinforced by membership in ASEAN, APEC and the World Trade Organization, will continue to grow thanks to your contributions while in Canada. Welcome!

Apostolic Nuncio Jurkovič I look forward to speaking with you about the issues we have in common, as well as how we can find shared ground on reconciliation and how we can promote a kinder world. Canada and the Holy See are already engaging on human rights, migration and peace-building.

Canadians have deep spiritual connections. I speak not only of our religious beliefs, but also of our connection to the land and water and to each other. I hope you will take the opportunity to discover the unique diversity of our country and the many beliefs that are at Canada’s core.

Ambassador Rode, Canada and Slovenia enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship. We continue to strengthen our ties in investment, science and technology, as well as the trade of goods and services. We have also been NATO allies since 2004, most recently with the Canada-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group in Latvia. There, Canadian and Slovenian troops work side by side, reinforcing our friendship.

Our partnership also extends to the European Union. I would like to commend Slovenia on your presidency of the Council, which concludes at the end of the month.

High Commissioner Sowah, our countries have more than 60 years of global co-operation. We have worked in the United Nations, La Francophonie and the Commonwealth to advance shared interests. In addition, our bilateral relationship with Ghana has grown, based on our shared commitment to democratic principles, trade and people-to-people ties.

Canada greatly appreciates all of your efforts to promote peace and security, and for the active role you have taken in Africa. We are eager to engage with you on important issues during your time in Canada.

This goes for everyone in the wider diplomatic community in Canada as well. When we come together to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, including climate change and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, we can make a difference.

Congratulations to all of you on your new posting.

Let us collaborate in the spirit of partnership and co-operation towards a better tomorrow.

Thank you. Merci.