Rideau Hall, Thursday, March 13, 2014

I am pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall for this great diplomatic tradition.

You may know that, in addition to being the historic home of the people of Canada, Rideau Hall has been the home and workplace of every governor general since Confederation.

Just a few weeks ago, however, my place of work temporarily shifted to India: to New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, to be precise.

I was visiting each of these great Indian cities on a State visit, working to strengthen ties and to increase collaboration between our two countries in areas such as trade, education and innovation. India, in fact, is the 27th country I have visited since becoming governor general just over three years ago.

In each case, I was on a diplomatic mission, not unlike your extended missions to Canada to represent your respective countries. It is such important work, particularly in the interconnected—and interdependent—world in which we live.

On behalf of all Canadians, I welcome you and your families to Canada in the spirit of friendship and co-operation.

Ambassador Alcántara, I have no doubt this posting to Canada will be an interesting chapter in your diplomatic career. The range of your experiences—including, most recently, as your country’s representative to the United Nations— will serve you well in your new role. I was delighted to learn that two of your children live in Canada, and that you have a young grandchild who was born in Toronto; how wonderful that you have this opportunity to work so close to family!

The diplomatic relationship between the Dominican Republic and Canada dates back to 1954, making this year the 60th anniversary of our bilateral ties. Our two countries are valued political, commercial and security partners, and I am pleased to see our ties strengthening in recent years. I look forward to hearing more about your priorities as ambassador.   

Archbishop Bonazzi, I am pleased to welcome you back to Canada after your previous posting here in 1999. As one of the Holy See’s most senior diplomats, you have served in many missions abroad, making you well positioned to succeed in Canada’s multicultural society. I wish you the very best during your time in our country.

The Holy See and Canada enjoy a strong partnership, one that is growing through such initiatives as the Canada-Holy See Parliamentary Friendship Group. Just over a year ago, I was honoured to attend the Inaugural Mass of Pope Francis. The Holy See plays an important role in promoting justice, peace and inter-faith dialogue around the world, one that is appreciated by many Canadians.

Ambassador Claverie Sciolli, you have had a lengthy and varied career in foreign service, and I look forward to speaking with you and learning more about your experiences. I am also pleased to welcome you back to Canada, a country you visited often as a child. I understand some of your relatives who live in Canada are here with us today—welcome, all of you!

Canada and Guatemala enjoy a strong partnership, and we are active in a wide range of issues. My wife, Sharon, and I were delighted to lead a delegation of Canadians on a successful State visit to your country in late 2012. We learned a great deal and met many wonderful people, and I am pleased that our bilateral ties continue to grow in areas such as food security, economic growth, and security.

High Commissioner Chacalli, I am pleased to wish you well in your new responsibilities. No doubt your skill in foreign languages and your extensive diplomatic experience will be put to good use in Canada. I also note your long involvement as a volunteer. Both volunteerism and philanthropy are subjects that are close to my own heart, and I look forward to discussing these with you.

Canada and Cyprus enjoy a close friendship, and in fact this year marks the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first Canadian peacekeepers in your country as part of the UN mission. Canada greatly appreciates the assistance Cyprus provided us with during the 2006 evacuation of our citizens in Lebanon. We are also grateful for your help in moving people and material from our mission in Afghanistan. Canada looks forward to continued co-operation with Cyprus.

Ambassador Gulyamov, I am pleased to welcome you as the Republic of Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Canada. You will be holding this position while concurrently serving as ambassador to the United States, and I encourage you to visit Canada often in the exercise of your duties. I wish you the very best as you continue to adjust to life in North America.

Canada and Uzbekistan have in recent years begun to develop closer bilateral ties. Regional stability in Central Asia is important to the international community and to Canadians, as are human rights and our shared economic success. Let me add that Uzbekistan’s role in assisting NATO operations in Afghanistan has been instrumental and is much appreciated by Canada.           

In closing, allow me to once again congratulate each of you on your new responsibilities as heads of mission. Thank you for coming here to learn about our country and to share your unique perspectives and insights with Canadians.

Canada warmly welcomes you!