La Citadelle, Thursday, October 2, 2014

It is wonderful to welcome you to the Citadelle and to Québec City for this ceremony.

This city is such a fitting place for diplomatic greetings, as it has such a long and colourful history, rooted in the idea of working together. For one example, let us take Samuel de Champlain, governor in all but name, who helped found this city more than 400 years ago. His efforts, working alongside his colleagues and with Aboriginal communities, allowed the area to grow and thrive.

He knew some of the essential tenets of survival and of diplomacy: dialogue and collaboration are vital to the strength of a society.

This brings me to all of you, and to the new roles that you are taking on here in Canada. You are embarking on an important journey, for our country and yours. And it is one that I hope we can take together. Allow me to address you each in turn.

Ambassador Sjögren, as someone who has spent a lifetime working around the world, you know how important it is to maintain strong diplomatic ties. The two of us also share an appreciation for the importance of the rule of law in our society, having studied and earned degrees in law in our respective countries. I have every confidence that your experience will serve you well here in Canada.

Canada and Sweden, after all, have much in common and so many areas in which we can collaborate. As nations with a stake in the Arctic, for instance, we have much to learn from each other. I am also eager to discuss with you the ways our two countries are working together in education, innovation, research and development to strengthen our countries.

Ambassador Ünal, you have devoted yourself to serving the people of Turkey in a variety of foreign affairs positions at home and abroad. I know that you will bring the same level of dedication to your new role. I also understand that you will be continuing a tradition of sorts, following in your parents footsteps, who lived here for a period in the 1960s. Like them, I hope that you will meet with as many Canadians as you can, as you will find in them a willingness to expand on our ties.

Relations between Canada and Turkey continue to strengthen, thanks to mutual interests, such as increased prosperity and security. In addition, we each recognize the potential we have to do so much more, and I hope to have the opportunity to speak with you about the different ways our two countries can work together.

Ambassador Zahran, you are committed to stability, peace and prosperity, goals that we share as a country. I am certain that your experience working in North America will serve you well as you become ambassador for Egypt in Canada.

Our two countries have a history of working together in a number of fora, and our ties—particularly in development co-operation, trade and education—are growing. Canada greatly values our relationship and looks forward to strengthening our bonds for the benefit of both our peoples.

Ambassador Droba, you became familiar with Canada many years ago, and I am pleased that you have returned to further explore this nation. I think you will find many things to pique your interest, from our majestic landscapes to the warmth of our people.

I am pleased to see the mobility of people, particularly students, between Canada and the Slovak Republic. It is heartening to know that we are sharing knowledge across borders with the intention of strengthening our ties in many diverse areas. Your new position will no doubt aid in the continuing growth of our friendship.

High Commissioner Ahmad, I am pleased to welcome you to Canada. The range of your experiences in the armed forces, the private sector and civil society will no doubt help to inform your work as high commissioner. I also note your interest in field hockey, among other sports, and am certain you will also enjoy the sport played on ice! I wish you the very best with your new responsibilities.

Canada and Brunei Darussalam enjoy friendly and constructive relations in fields that include trade and investment and defence and security. We are members of the Commonwealth, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and the World Trade Organization. Our ties are growing, and Canada looks forward to continued partnership with Brunei Darussalam.

Finally, let me say a special word of welcome to all of your families—those who will live in Canada and those who will no doubt visit during your time here. I hope that all of you get to explore Canada, to see what makes this country special, and to teach us about your own country, customs and heritage.

Good luck to all of you. 

Thank you.