Rideau Hall, Monday, May 5, 2014

Welcome, both of you, to Rideau Hall for this presentation of letters of credence. And allow me as well to welcome you to Canada!

You have been chosen by your respective nations to represent the ideals and aims of your homeland in this country.

I think you will find Canadians both welcoming and eager to work together across disciplines, sharing knowledge across borders.

All of you well know the important role diplomacy plays in our world today. It is vital that we communicate with each other our hopes, our expectations and our goals. In this way, we can create better chances for our citizens to succeed and build a fairer, more just world for subsequent generations.

Ambassador Altangerel, I am so pleased that you will be representing your country in Canada. You have made a career out of diplomacy, holding a variety of positions in Mongolia, as well as various postings abroad. In Canada, you will find willing and eager people with which to do business, engage in trade, and spark ideas and innovation.

Our two countries already have a long and productive relationship. Last year, in fact, I was privileged to visit Mongolia to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations. One of the highlights of my visit was when I became the first-ever governor general of Canada to address the State Great Khural, the supreme legislative body in Mongolia’s Parliament. I was particularly impressed by our ability to share knowledge in such areas as education and public service. There was so much to learn, and I believe there still is. I look forward to speaking with you about our friendship and the ways our two peoples can find new ways to collaborate.

Ambassador Bathija, Canada is fortunate to have you representing Afghanistan, particularly during this instrumental transition period. You know very well how closely our two countries have worked together over the past decade. As a highly respected diplomat and economist, you are deeply immersed and knowledgeable about trade. I am interested in speaking with you about how we can improve our commercial relationship, building upon the relationship we have developed.  

I have seen first-hand the impact Canadians serving in Afghanistan have had. And I have seen the great work being done by Afghans to bolster the freedoms and democratic ideals that we both hold dear. The ongoing electoral process in Afghanistan—the first round of which was held with an impressively high participation rate, particularly among women—is but one indication of this. Though Canada’s mission in Afghanistan has ended, I know that we will continue to work together to the benefit of both our nations.

On a personal note, I am looking forward to your participation later this week as we pay tribute to the men and women, soldiers and civilians who served with distinction in Afghanistan. The National Day of Honour will be a reminder not just of their hard work and sacrifice, but also that of the Afghan people.

Once again, I welcome both of you to Canada, and I urge you to discover what it is about this country that makes it, as I like to say, a smart and caring nation.

Thank you.