SECRETARY-GENERAL PRAISES CANADA'S COMMITMENT TO UNITED NATIONS AT OTTAWA GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S LUNCHEON
Press Release
SG/SM/5820/Rev.1*
SECRETARY-GENERAL PRAISES CANADA'S COMMITMENT TO UNITED NATIONS AT OTTAWA GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S LUNCHEON
19951122 Following is the text of the toast delivered by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on the occasion of a luncheon given on his behalf by the Governor-General of Canada, Romeo Le Blanc, in Ottawa on 22 November:The United Nations Organization has known, since its inception, that it can rely on Canada. Even under the most difficult circumstances, your country has consistently and staunchly affirmed its faith in the values and precepts of this world Organization.
May I assure you of my immense gratitude for your unwavering defence of our ideals and for your vigorous defence of our activities in the service of the international community.
As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I find it a genuine pleasure and real comfort to be with you here today, on Canadian soil.
During this year of celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, the men and women of Canada have demonstrated their commitment to the world Organization more clearly than ever. And I will take advantage of this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the Canadian Committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary for its exemplary work in rallying support under the leadership of Ambassador Douglas Roche.
Allow me also to draw attention to the numerous links that Canada has forged, outside the world Organization, as a member of important international institutions such as the Group of Seven major industrialized countries, the Commonwealth, the Community of French-speaking countries and the North American free trade area.
* Revised to incorporate English translation from the French in first eight paragraphs.
It is the very features of the Canadian nation, which is open to dialogue and rich in its cultural diversity, that have imbued Canada's international relations with their full originality.
Thus, over the years, Canada has established numerous and varied contacts throughout the world. From the States of the Caribbean to the heartland of Europe, from India to the shores of Africa, Canada has successfully forged close links on every continent.
Thus does Canada reveal its spirit of solidarity, openness and generosity towards other peoples and other nations. Your country likewise demonstrates its sense of responsibility towards the international community as a whole, towards its values and towards its future.
Canada is -- it seems to me -- by its history, its present situation, and its vision of the future -- an exceptionally thoughtful country. One finds that issues which seem new and challenging for the international community have been seriously thought about for some time in Canada. So Canada has gone further than most countries in spelling out its rationale for international action. Last year, through the appointment of the Foreign Policy Forum, Canada began a process of national debate about the objectives of foreign policy. The Special Joint Committee Reviewing Canadian Foreign Policy undertook a nationwide process of consultation.
Canada has recognized clearly that many of its goals can be pursued only in concern with other countries. The report of the Special Joint Committee noted the importance of a multilateral approach. It understood the value of a rules-based international system. It coined the phrase "directed multilateralism" to signal that multilateralism is not incompatible with selective bilateralism.
At a time when vital decisions must be made about the future of the United Nations, some are hesitant, ambivalent or ambiguous in their approach. That is not the case with Canada. Everyday, Canada's strong commitment is expressed through active and creative Canadian involvement in the work of the Organization. It is demonstrated by Canada's informed participation in debates about the mission of the United Nations. It is deepened by Canada's own clear approach to a world which is challenged at one and the same time by the dialectical forces of globalization and of fragmentation.
Democratization will be the key to the resolution of the great contending forces of our time. Democracy will be essential for the better world we all seek. Here, too, Canada is a leader in stimulating discussion and promoting action. I welcome the Canadian Government's commitment to democracy as a source and an objective of Canadian foreign policy.
- 3 - Press Release SG/SM/5820/Rev.1 22 November 1995
Canada's commitment can be crucial to the future of the world Organization. Canada's advocacy of change is backed by its long record of unwavering commitment to the achievements of the past and to the imperative of moving forward for peace, development, justice and human rights. That is why Canada's voice on the future of the international system carries such authority, and why it must be heard.
I am deeply appreciative of the kind hospitality I have received in the course of my visit to Canada. I am immensely grateful for the understanding and support which the Government and people of Canada have consistently shown towards the United Nations. I invite you to raise your glasses to the Queen, the Governor-General and the people of Canada.
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