As I conclude my tenure as Canada’s ambassador to Greece, I reflect on the progress our countries have made and the potential that lies ahead.
Canada and Greece are not just long-standing diplomatic partners; we are like-minded allies with a deep reservoir of shared values. This is more important than ever in today’s climate of global uncertainty and realignment.
Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of playing a modest part in this thriving partnership. The daily efforts of Canadians and Greeks in building bridges across various sectors are truly impressive. Our strong Greek-Canadian community remains one of the most vibrant pillars of this relationship. Whether through cultural heritage, economic collaboration such as the annual Toronto Economic Forum, or academic and research partnerships like the Canadian Institute in Greece, our people-to-people connections remain at the heart of our story.
Our cooperation has deepened across a range of strategic areas: investment, civil protection, innovation and aerospace, defense, energy, and tourism. During times of crisis – such as the evacuations of Canadians from the Middle East in October 2023 and again last month – Greece and Cyprus stood by Canada, providing unconditional support when it mattered most.
This spirit of solidarity now finds new expression through our joint commitment to defense and economic security. Last month, Prime Minister Mark Carney signed the Canada-EU Security and Defense Partnership (SDP). This agreement opens up opportunities to widen the scope of Canada-Greece collaboration, strengthen our defense industries, and enhance interoperability in ways that promote shared prosperity and security.
Our relationship has also been elevated through sustained political engagement at the highest levels. In March 2024, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Canada, marking a milestone in our bilateral relations and reaffirming our shared priorities. During the visit, a landmark agreement was signed for Greece’s acquisition of seven DHC-515 aircraft – state-of-the-art firefighting planes that will help protect Greece and its citizens for years to come. That momentum continued with visits to Athens by then foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly and trade minister Mary Ng. These exchanges brought renewed focus to cooperation in trade, economic resilience, and emergency preparedness.
What also stands out is the quiet confidence Canadian investors have shown in Greece’s potential. Canada stepped up during some of Greece’s most challenging economic years – not with headlines, but with substance. Fairfax Financial helped recapitalize the banking sector. Eldorado Gold created jobs and revitalized local economies in northern Greece. CAE’s partnership with Aegean Airlines established Greece’s first advanced aviation training center, now a regional hub for the Mediterranean. Air Canada has expanded its direct routes, and the recent Tourism MoU between our governments supports sustainable growth in this vital sector. In May 2025, De Havilland Canada established a subsidiary in Greece to service the fleet of its iconic “Canadair” waterbombers, bringing operational benefits and reinforcing our shared commitment to climate resilience.
Today, we are entering a new era. Global trade is facing significant pressures. Allies are reassessing their partnerships and making strategic choices about where to place their trust. In this context, Canada stands out as a stable, reliable partner with shared values and a track record of commitment.
This is why the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is so important. Since its provisional application, Greek agri-food exports to Canada – especially wine, olive oil, and feta – have increased by over 80%. Yet the full benefits of CETA remain untapped. Ratifying the agreement would give Greece tariff-free access to a trusted G7 market and cement its position as a preferred partner for Canadian investors.
The opportunity is real. Canadian consumers are increasingly looking beyond North America. Greek products – from wines and spirits to health goods and building materials – have strong potential under CETA’s framework. Given the trust between our countries, the strength of our markets, and the clear mutual benefits for our companies, the time is right for Greece to move forward with ratification.
This moment is about more than trade. It’s about who stands with us when the ground shifts. About the kind of future we want to shape – and who we want beside us as we do.
Canada is here. Ready. Reliable. Invested. A partner who shows up – and stays.
Serving as Canada’s ambassador to Greece has been the honor of a lifetime. From startups to archaeological sites, from diplomatic roundtables to conversations in tavernas, I’ve been inspired by the depth and generosity of this country. My family and I are taking with us unforgettable memories – including our participation in the Classic Athens Marathon, an experience that reminded us that Greece’s legacy of resilience continues to inspire the world.
A special moment from the past year was the installation of an Inuksuk – a traditional Inuit monument, crafted from Pentelic marble by a Canadian-Inuit artist and gifted to Greece to celebrate over 80 years of diplomatic relations. The Inukshuk now stands in Alsos Ilission Park in Athens, serving as a lasting symbol of respect, reconciliation and of the enduring friendship between our nations.
I depart with confidence in what lies ahead, knowing that Canada and Greece have never been closer. Together, we will boldly tackle the challenges of our times.
Anna-Karine Asselin is the ambassador of Canada to Greece.