Paris, FranceDecember 9, 2003Check against deliveryThis dinner is a truly special event for me and Aline. We are surrounded by very dear friends on the occasion of my last official dinner and my last foreign visit as Prime Minister of Canada.I consider it entirely appropriate to close my 40-year political career here in France, the country where Canada's recorded history began - the history of my Canada.Four hundred years ago, a group of visionary explorers commissioned by Henry IV established the first permanent French settlement in North America. Today, the ties between France and Canada are stronger than ever. Our transatlantic dealings - both personal and professional - are many and fruitful.We have just ratified an agreement that will make it possible every year for 7000 young people from Canada and 7000 young people from France to cross the Atlantic and live and work in each other's country.On the international stage, our countries are often at the forefront of efforts to build a better world, a world based on the principles of cooperation, progress, law and justice, multilateralism and respect for the United Nations.We have worked closely together to ban antipersonnel mines, create an International Criminal Court, protect the environment by adhering to the Kyoto Protocol, develop a vibrant and dynamic Francophonie, and improve conditions on the African continent. We have achieved many successes together. But we are faced with new challenges. We have to display both imagination and generosity to ensure the development of an equitable and harmonious globalization, advantageous for the whole of humanity. In this respect, few countries have the capacity to propose and convince as France and Canada can.For 400 years, we have been weaving strong ties. Our shared challenge, put into perspective, is to draw on our friendship to strengthen transatlantic relations. We Canadians must pay more attention to what is going on in Europe.We must become closer to the European Union and to our key partners who are its members.As for you, our French friends, you have an important role to play in maintaining strong transatlantic ties.As I have said, the friendship between our nations also exists at a personal level. I have had the privilege and the pleasure of working with several French politicians: Jean-Pierre Raffarin, who must meet challenges I am very familiar with and who can count on all my understanding and encouragement; Jacques Chirac, a true friend, a force of nature, and a colleague with whom I have always enjoyed - and always will enjoy - working, discussing, and sharing views. Jacques Chirac, a partner who not only shares my values, but also many interests, such as Aboriginal People and their culture and of course, Canada.I would also like to pay tribute officially to another great partner, my wife Aline. We will now be embarking on a new stage in our life together, and Aline and I will remain forever grateful for your hospitality and your friendship, Jacques and Bernadette. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much.Vive le Canada! Vive la France!- 30 -
