State Luncheon hosted by the His Excellency Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, President of the United Mexican States, and Mrs. Margarita Zavala de Calderón

Mexico City, Monday, December 7, 2009

Earlier, I told you about my personal affection and admiration for your country, as well as the strong attachment many of my fellow Canadians have for Mexico, a favourite destination.

Whether they want to discover a culture of infinite wealth, share ideas in areas of common interest, or explore co-operation or business opportunities—or all these at once—let me assure you, Excellency, Canadians have fallen under Mexico’s charm.

And any discussion of the relationship between our two countries must take this genuine affection into account.

We are both friends and continental partners who believe wholeheartedly in the democratic values of justice and fairness, in the rule of law and respect for personal freedoms.

And we are delighted with the joint efforts we are making to improve security and increase prosperity across the entire hemisphere.

We share your conviction, Excellency, that democracy is an ongoing process of building and improving our institutions.

I am also very grateful to you for graciously hosting this luncheon in honour of this State visit, as it gives us an opportunity to have a real discussion about the challenges we are facing.

Let us make the most of this wonderful opportunity to offer our perspectives, make suggestions and—why not?—share our dreams, like we would so freely and joyously do at a family meal.

I feel I can talk about family ties because the ties that unite our people are so strong.

It is therefore in the spirit of solidarity and fellowship—which we hold so dear—that I sincerely hope people and organizations in both Mexico and Canada will follow our example and continue this already lively dialogue.

Because I believe that only through dialogue can we eliminate any discontent in our harmonious relationship, a relationship that is, for us—Canadians and Mexicans—a promise for the future.

Excellency, I would like to raise my glass to our very special friendship!