Peteris Ustubs, the newly-appointed European Union Ambassador to Canada, presented his letter of credentials to H.E. the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, today in Quebec City, during a ceremony officially marking the beginning of his mandate.
Ambassador Ustubs begins his four-year mandate at a momentous time for Canada and the EU as both partners are preparing for the implementation of the landmark Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).
“I am fortunate to begin my mandate at this defining moment in EU-Canada relations. Our already close partnership is about to become even closer,” said Ambassador Ustubs. “I am also privileged to start on such an important anniversary year for Canada – its 150th anniversary since Confederation.”
Advancing the implementation of the two agreements and forging closer ties with his Canadian counterparts will be among the Ambassador’s top priorities during his tenure.
“We are in the process of reinforcing our strategic partnership, and we will continue to work together and align our actions at the UN, in G7 and G20 in response to global challenges,” the Ambassador continued. “Canada and the EU share the same cultural and historic roots, the same values and worldview.”
Ambassador Ustubs arrived in Canada after serving as America’s Senior Advisor to Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. He was also European External Action Service (EEAS) Director for West and Central Africa and Senior Coordinator for the Sahel.
Prior to that, he served as Deputy Head of Cabinet of Andris Piebalgs, former European Commissioner for Development. Ambassador Ustubs also held senior positions with the Latvian government, including Under-Secretary of State and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister.
The ambassador is fluent in English, French, Latvian and Russian. He has received state decorations from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Latvia.
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