I am pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall and to Canada.

First, let me say thank you for taking on these roles. Each of you has left your homes and friends and the familiar for a new adventure, one that is as important as it is exciting.

Diplomacy, after all, is one of the key ways countries around the world talk to each other. And as representatives of your nations, you are forging the bonds that will benefit our countries and our people.

Ambassador Bosacki, as a former journalist you have a good idea of how vital it is to know and understand the details of an issue. In Canada, you will find many different stories, and I invite you to listen and learn of the fascinating history and individuals that make up our country. In doing so, you will discover how Canadians can help your own country succeed.

Of course, Poland and Canada are already collaborating in so many ways. We have strong links in trade, education and as members of common international organizations, not to mention strong people-to-people ties. It was with our friendship in mind that Canada hosted your country’s president last year, with whom I shared our desire to find further ways we can work together.

Ambassador Baja, you and I share a love of the world of academia. Having spent more than 50 years in universities, first as a student, then as a professor and administrator, I well know the value of education. I look forward to speaking with you about your experiences.

Libya and Canada have the potential to do so much more together, which is why I am pleased to see our links steadily growing. In such areas as education, trade, investment, security, and the rule of law, Canadians are collaborating with their Libyan counterparts to strengthen our societies. I know that your presence here will provide our two countries with many more opportunities for co-operation.

Ambassador Nzeyimana, congratulations on your posting to Canada. As a career diplomat, you have demonstrated time and again the importance of working collaboratively. I hope that you will find the time not only to promote your country’s interests, but also to share some of your culture with Canadians.

Although relations between Canada and Burundi are modest, they are nonetheless important and strengthened by common interests. Canada is committed to such values as peace and good governance and is pleased to lend its support to the region in a variety of ways. As we search for new and exciting ways to collaborate, I am happy to welcome you to this country.

Ambassador Milkov, you have also made a career of diplomacy, and I believe that your experiences living around the world will benefit you in Canada. I hope that we will have a chance to discuss the opportunities promised by strengthened people-to-people ties.

Bulgaria and Canada have a solid and growing relationship based on shared values and on collaboration in a number of spheres. In areas of trade and investment, in particular, there are so many further ways we can work together.  I hope your time here is both productive and enlightening.

To all of you, as well as your families, enjoy your stay in Canada. I urge you to strike out across this vast nation to discover its beauty and the people who make this place so special.

I wish you the best of luck in your new roles.

Thank you.