Canada Receives Credentials of 4 Diplomats

[FiveParadox]

Today at Rideau Hall, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., the Governor General of Canada, received the credentials of one new high commissioner and three new ambassadors to Canada. Heads of mission cannot begin their official functions in Canada until they have presented their credentials to the Governor General, as a representative of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada.

High commissioners are generally representative of a country that recognises, or at one time recognised, Her Majesty as head of State. High commissioners do not represent the head of State, but rather, the head of Government (for example, the British High Commissioner would represent the British prime minister, rather than representing the Crown or the head of State). Ambassadors represent the head of State of a foreign nation, rather than the head of Government. Though these differences were once of great importance, in practice, it is mainly a difference in style.

Her Excellency received the following credentials:

• Her Excellency Ms. Chitranganee Wagiswara
  High Commissioner-designate of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
• His Excellency Mr. Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz
  Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Poland
• His Excellency Mr. Andrea Meloni
  Ambassador-designate of the Italian Republic

The Governor General also gave a speech on the occasion.

Madam High Commissioner Wagiswara, Canada and Sri Lanka have forged a solid relationship based on our joint participation in the Commonwealth, development aid, and the existence of a dynamic community of Canadians of Sri Lankan origin. I am told it is the largest Sri Lankan community outside your country: over 200,000 Canadians are of Sri Lankan origin.

After the devastating 2004 tsunami, Canada and its people provided unprecedented assistance to help reconstruct Sri Lanka.

Canada is concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka and the well being of its people. We sincerely hope that the aspirations of all Sri Lankans are taken into account as your country prepares to enter power-sharing agreements. Canada encourages a national reconciliation process in Sri Lanka now that the hostilities which have caused untold suffering in your country have ceased.

Madam High Commissioner, I understand you have an advantage over the rest of your colleagues here today, as this is the second time you will be living here in Canada. Welcome back.

(Click here to read the entire speech.)

Source

• Office of the Secretary to the Governor General • homepage • news release • speech