Canada Congratulates Ukraine on Diplomatic Service

Ottawa – On December 6, 2007, External Affairs Deputy Minister Leonard J. Edwards congratulated Ambassador of Ukraine Ihor Ostash and the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada on the 90th Anniversary of the establishment of the modern Ukrainian diplomatic service. This date is officially celebrated on December 22.

“It is a pleasure for me to extend congratulations on the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the modern Ukrainian diplomatic service. There is no more important international asset for a sovereign state than its professional diplomats. In representing their country abroad, diplomats are vital to advancing its acceptance and success within the international community.

Since the re-establishment of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence in 1991, Ukraine’s diplomatic representatives have served their country and people very well by advancing Ukraine’s re-integration in European and international structures and institutions.

Canada’s recognition of the rebirth of an independent Ukraine on December 2, 1991, established the basis of our bilateral relationship. The warmth and strength of these relations is testament to the success of Ukraine’s diplomats in Canada. The bonds between our countries, and our peoples, extend over centuries of Ukrainian Immigration to Canada and by 16 years of Canadian support and collaboration with newly-independent Ukraine. Another bond is that we share relatively young diplomatic services and traditions. Next June, Canada will begin a year-long celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1909.

Ukraine is now a key European partner. Canada is committed to support Ukraine’s efforts to align itself with Euro-Atlantic institutions such as NATO as well as the WTO and the EU. Furthermore, by working together in the UN, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other international forums, Canadian and Ukrainian diplomats have contributed to the success of such notable instruments as the Ottawa Convention banning antipersonnel landmines and the creation of the International Criminal Court.

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, has spoken of our special kinship with Ukraine. This has led to, among other actions, Canada recognizing in international forums the 75th Anniversary of the Great Famine, the Holodomor, in Ukraine.

I look forward to even greater success for our common diplomatic efforts - both to further bilateral and international objectives - far into the future”.