Speech by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the reception to mark the Day of German Unity in Ottawa

Today, we celebrate the Day of German Unity, and we do so in a year that is particularly special for Canadian-German relations, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our partnership.  I can tell you that this partnership is so important to us that we have even dispatched not one but two of our most outstanding ambassadors to underscore our commitment to it. We will raise a glass to that in a few moments! I have spent the past few days attending the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly – and I will return to New York tomorrow.  It has been a week of intense talks, as many of you may have experienced firsthand.  However, this year a noticeable sense of urgency marked many of the conversations there.  This sense is rooted in a deep concern for the stability of the international order. One thing we must accept is this: There is no way back to the past. So we all have to adapt. Through new partnerships. Through new free trade agreements. And especially through new defence partnerships, since the geopolitical environment has become more hostile.  We share the firm conviction that we must continue to support Ukraine. Together, we will continue to provid...