Rideau Hall, Tuesday, November 18, 2008

We are about to set out on a State visit to four European countries: the Republic of Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Slovenia.

We are eagerly getting ready to discover these countries that regained their freedom after having lived under the yoke of the Communist regime.

These member countries of the European Union represent strategic gateways to emerging markets and opportunities for co-operation.

We are thrilled at the prospect of meeting some of the people who form the backbone of these societies.

Not just representatives of the highest decision-making bodies, but also youth, women, academics, artists, members of the community, committed people who are working to ensure that their fellow citizens are able to contribute fully to the development of society.

We will also make the most of this opportunity to celebrate the bonds that have been forged between us over the course of history.

These countries were once home to women and men who chose to put down roots in our vast country and who have enriched our society with their unique contribution.

And these countries are now home to Canadian women and men who are playing a part in the evolution of those societies and whom we will meet along the way.

These bonds of fellowship are like bridges that span the ocean and reach beyond borders.

Bridges that we have crossed and continue to cross more than ever before, be it for trade and research or within the framework of international forums or cultural exchanges.

Bridges that we hope will endure and remain open to further dialogue and new ideas.

The world in which we are living has never been as interconnected and as interdependent as it is right now. The challenges we are facing today concern the entire world and require that we adopt a global approach.

The time has come, as I like to say, for us to focus on the sum of our solidarities rather than on the sum of our differences.

This State visit to four European countries is in keeping with this perspective, that of diplomacy on a human scale.

Diplomacy that emphasizes the need to weigh the interests of some against the needs of others.

Diplomacy that highlights the importance of thinking of the many without denying the rights of the few.

Diplomacy that is not indifferent to the plight of peoples and that encourages civic involvement.

Diplomacy that is so important to me, as governor general of Canada.

My husband, who is currently in France and will be meeting up with us soon in Budapest, joins me in thanking the ambassadors and their teams for their invaluable assistance in planning this State visit.

Our thanks also to the entire team behind us.

And I can think of no better way to mark this departure and highlight the ties that bind us to the Republic of Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Slovenia than by turning things over to their artists, who translate into words, music and songs the soul of their people.

Because culture is a language that transcends our differences and joins our hearts in celebration.

To friendship and solidarity!