Armenia celebrates Canada Day for the first time

YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. The newly opened Canadian Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia on June 27for the first time organized and held a gala reception on the occasion of Canada's 157th anniversary.

The reception was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Armenia Andrew Turner, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia ParuyrHovhannisyan, several foreign ambassadors accredited in Armenia, deputies of the National Assembly, members of the Armenian government and other guests.

Andrew Turner made an opening speech and greeted those present in Armenian, noting that he has been studying the language since his first day as Ambassador.

“Dear guests, today is a historic day: for the first time since the opening of our embassy in Yerevan, Canada Day is celebrated. Relations between Canada and Armenia have become stronger since October when our embassy was opened,” said Turner, adding that the visit of the country’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly in October 2023 was followed by visits to Armenia by parliamentarians and other officials.

The ambassador emphasized that the visit to Armenia of the Canadian Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security emphasized that the two countries are connected by universal human values.

Andrew Turner said that he had already visited various places in Armenia and met many Armenians, including Armenians from Canada, and the beauty, hospitality, and warmth of the country were incredible.

“Most importantly, the embassy demonstrates Canada's commitment to promoting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia. This also indicates support for the peace process with Azerbaijan and democratic reforms in Armenia,” the Ambassador emphasized, clarifying that this support is implemented through diplomacy, humanitarian support, supporting the Armenian National Assembly and civil society, and, of course, the fact that Canada, which is not a member of the EU, has joined the EUMA.

At the end of the speech, the Ambassador thanked all those present for participating and celebrating Canada Day.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Paruyr Hovhannisyan greeted and congratulated all those present.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Canada, our countries have been able to create a strong foundation for a bilateral agenda, effective cooperation and partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and universal values,”noted the Deputy Minister, emphasizing that Armenia and Canada maintain a high-level political dialogue, in which the newly opened Canadian embassy in Armenia also makes a great contribution.

ParuyrHovhannisyan also emphasized that Yerevan appreciates Canada’s principled position in supporting sovereignty, territorial integrity and the development of democracy in Armenia. He thanked Canada for its constant assistance within the framework of the activities of the EUMA.

 “We deeply appreciate Canada’s humanitarian assistance to the forcibly displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh,” said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing that Armenia is also interested in developing economic ties with Canada.