Ottawa, January 2007

 

Dear Colleague,

On behalf of the Ottawa Diplomatic Association (ODA), I warmly welcome you to Ottawa, wishing you a very successful tour of duty and a happy stay in Canada.
I would like to take the advantage of this opportunity to introduce us:  the ODA is a professional organization aiming at representing all members of Ottawa Diplomatic Corps, irrespective of rank or country of origin. We have the privilege of functioning under the high patronage of Her Excellency, Michaelle Jean, the Governor General of Canada, and in close cooperation with the Diplomatic Corps Service, Office of Protocol  (DFAIT).

The ODA’s objectives include: promotion of relations among its members and assistance for the Ottawa-stationed newly arrived diplomatic representatives of foreign countries; strengthening the friendship with our hosting country; as well as more substantial involvement of the diplomatic community in Canadian life. 

I have the firm belief that Ottawa Diplomatic Association can make an important role to strengthen relations not only between the diplomatic community and the local political entities, but also with the Canadian society and the academic institutions. By its commitment to promote knowledge of different cultures and countries in Canada as well by engaging the Canadian people in order to increase mutual understanding between our nations, the Association can do a lot for the prestige of our profession.

ODA has developed a very good relationship with National Press Club and is co-hosting luncheons with officials and local personalities on topic of common interest. Also, a joint Ambassador’s Roundtable has been launched together with the Office of Vice-President (Research & International), Norman Patterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University of Ottawa.

With our partners from the Protocol, we are planning further working, cultural and social events, including a winter skiing day (27th of January, 2007), a chess tournament, a visit to Parliament.

Dear Colleague, I trust you will join the challenge of combining our forces and pool our talents for the benefit of all of us.  We need to get together our professional experiences and expertise, our skills and our creative energy. Your thoughts and insights on the activities of the Association, your consideration on the relations with the host country, its institutions and people, would be highly appreciated. I do believe that our métier and also our countries we represent here, deserve our best efforts for the promotion of our mission. 

 I am trustful you will join ODA, promote its activities within your Embassy or High Commission and encourage your teamwork to participate in ODA’s events.

We hope that you, personally and professionally, will benefit from ODA activities and that you will support and actively promote ODA among the Diplomatic Corps. We remain open to any suggestions, recommendations or advice that you wish to communicate to us.

Looking forward to meeting you and working with you on your new posting,

Sincerely yours, 

 Elena Sava Stefoi
 President ODA
 Ambassador of Romania
655  Rideau Street, Ottawa
Ontario K1N 6A3
Tel: (613) 789-4037
Fax: (613) 789-4365
E-mail: esava@romanian-embassy.com

 

PS.  Please, find attached the list of the elected members of ODA’s Executive Committee and the enrolment form that you might send with the membership fee of 60.00 Canadian dollars to our Treasurer at the address listed.