15 December, 2015 – Ottawa. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) met with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Stéphane Dion in Ottawa yesterday to discuss key issues of importance to our community.
The UCC delegation, which included UCC National President Paul Grod, UCC Director of Government Relations Paul Migus, UCC Ottawa President Yaroslav Baran, and UCC Senior Analyst Orest Zakydalsky, presented a comprehensive briefing to Minister Dion on the current situation in Ukraine. Key components of the discussion included further support to Ukraine in the areas of security, economy and humanitarian aid as well as furthering bilateral cooperation between Canada and Ukraine. Minister Dion assured the UCC of Canada’s continued strong support for Ukraine as it battles Russian aggression and reiterated that Canada does not recognize Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
Following the meeting, Grod stated, “I am very pleased to hear from Minister Dion, that Ukraine will continue to be a foreign policy priority for the Government of Canada. Minister Dion re-emphasized that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is unacceptable and that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. I appreciated the opportunity to have a meaningful discussion with Minister Dion and look forward to continued close cooperation with the Government of Canada.”
UCC Welcomes Ukraine’s New Ambassador to Canada
Yesterday, the UCC welcomed His Excellency Andriy Shevchenko as Ukraine’s new Ambassador to Canada. At a ceremony at Rideau Hall, Ambassador Shevchenko presented his letters of credence to Canada’s Governor General, the Right Honourable David Johnston.
Ambassador Shevchenko and Governor General Johnston
“I am very honoured to be appointed Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada” stated Ambassador Shevchenko. “Canada is one of Ukraine’s greatest friends in the international community and I look forward to working towards deepening the bilateral cooperation and trade relations between our two countries.”
“On behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian community, I welcome Ambassador Shevchenko to Canada and congratulate him on his appointment,” stated Paul Grod. “I have known Ambassador Shevchenko for many years in his capacity as a journalist, parliamentarian and civic activist and am confident that he will exercise his functions professionally and capably.”
At a luncheon following the presentation of the letters of credence, Grod presented Ambassador Shevchenko with a gift from the Ukrainian community in Canada – a limited print of Ukrainian Canadian artist’s Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn’s “O Holy Night.”
Comentarios