May 29, 2023

Check against delivery

Hello,

Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people who have lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years.

It is my great pleasure to welcome His Excellency Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland, and Ms.Eliza Jean Reid to Canada. For Ms.Reid, this is a homecoming, back to her Canadian and Ottawa roots!

I would also like to extend that welcome to the entire Icelandic delegation.

It is vital that we engage in face-to-face diplomacy and dialogue so that we can better understand each other, our challenges and the co-operation opportunities ahead of us. Already, we are working to enhance the bonds between our peoples.

Canada and Iceland enjoy close relations based on strong ties and common interests in such areas as human rights, peace and security, trade and investment, the environment and combatting climate change.

We are also long-standing partners in NATO, the Arctic Council, and many other international organizations. Our ties will be fully on display throughout your visit, President Jóhannesson, just as it was when you welcomed me to Iceland last year during the Arctic Circle Conference.

I look forward to continuing these discussions, so we can further strengthen our relationship and develop our areas of common interest. This includes the Arctic, the health and resilience of our youth, culture and language preservation, and development of the Blue Economy.

As Arctic nations, we have both seen the devastating impacts of climate change in the circumpolar regions and on traditional ways of life in the North.

We are both Nordic countries. And this common link gives us a shared perspective on climate change.

As these changes happen—often foreshadowing the impacts to follow in other countries—we work together to find solutions. Through dialogue and sharing best practices, we show the world our commitment to protecting our planet and the unique landscape and true beauty of the North.

We’re grateful that you’re here to engage with Canadians, and we look forward to benefitting from your expertise as well.

On behalf of my husband, Whit, and all Canadians, I once again, welcome all of you, friends of Canada. We hope that your stay here is both enjoyable and productive.

Thank you.