Presentation of Credentials (Islamic Republic of Pakistan,
Republic of Malta, Union of the Comoros, State of Qatar)

Rideau Hall, Tuesday, June 16, 2009

I am delighted to welcome you to Rideau Hall to receive your credentials and would like to extend a very warm welcome to Canada.

From the economic crisis to climate change, from the resource crisis to issues of security and stability, the challenges we are all facing today are such that they reach well beyond regional and national borders.

What I believe these challenges bring to light is the need for us to work together to find common solutions to the problems that affect us all.

That is why, whenever I can, I make a point of focussing on the need for enhanced co-operation and greater solidarity between us, all around the world.

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

The time has come to rethink the world in terms of this map of shared values, rather than the borders that separate us.

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

Today’s ceremony is a perfect example of this vision of openness and cooperation.

Ambassador Akbar Zeb, Canada and Pakistan have had a close relationship since 1947.

And this relationship has strengthened over time, notably because of the over 200,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin who contribute to Canada’s energy and prosperity.

Canada is of course aware of the challenges your country is facing in terms of security and economics.

We encourage and acknowledge the efforts Pakistan is making to ensure stability and security in the region.

We are determined to support Pakistan in its willingness to promote the development of a strong democracy, especially by supporting its efforts to establish good governance, increase economic opportunities for women, promote the recognition of their rights, and improve the quality of the education system.

Rest assured that Canada’s commitment to Pakistan is still a foreign policy priority.  

High Commissioner Miceli-Farrugia, Canada is also committed to strengthening the already warm ties it shares with the Republic of Malta.

We work together within a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Commonwealth, in which your country is an active member.

Canada also supported a project launched by the Republic of Malta to bridge the digital divide between the Commonwealth member countries, and we hope to continue our collaboration in this regard.

Moreover, our two countries made significant contributions to the negotiations that led to the creation of the United Nations Law of the Sea.

It has never been more urgent for us to fight threats against our marine resources and space, and—as it is an island-state—we have a lot of respect for the Republic of Malta’s experience in terms of marine issues.

High Commissioner, we consider your presence here today and your appointment as a sign of friendship.

Ambassador Al-Hajri, you have considerable diplomatic experience, both at the bilateral level and within multilateral organizations.

And we hope to work closely with you as well to strengthen the ties between Canada and Qatar, to enhance our existing bilateral relationship.

Our business communities have already established very productive ties, and it is interesting to note that Canadian exports to Qatar increased from $18 million on 2003 to $89 million in 2008.

This is a guarantee of success and prosperity for our people.

We applaud Qatar’s success in mediating an agreement and encouraging more dialogue in Lebanon in 2008, and just recently, its commitment to advance peace talks in Sudan.

Ambassador Toihiri, Canada also considers the collaborative relationship it has with the Comoros under the aegis of international organizations—notably La Francophonie—to be a promise for the future.

In fact, you yourself are one of the people who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our large international Francophonie family.

I have been told that you are the leading French-language novelist in the Comoros, that you have published a number of works and that you taught French literature after receiving a doctorate in letters from the Université de Bordeaux III.

I am certain you will be pleased to discover the vitality of La Francophonie here and the wealth of French-language literature in Canada.

Ambassador, I would also like to point out the peaceful way in which political stability was re-established in your country last year, thanks, in part, to the joint efforts of the African Union and the Comoros.

I salute these efforts and am convinced that this stability will continue to improve the country’s economic conditions and the lives of Comorans.

Rest assured, Excellencies, that Canada is looking forward to working with all of you, in a spirit of sharing and reciprocity, to forge partnerships that will bring prosperity to our respective populations and the entire world.

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

On that note of friendship, I hope to see you again very soon and to hear your ideas for bringing our peoples together.

Thank you.