Beijing, Monday, July 5, 2010
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As fate would have it, Excellency, our paths have crossed twice in a matter of days. Less than two weeks ago I welcomed you to Rideau Hall in our nation’s capital, and today you are hosting this banquet in honour of my journey of friendship to the People’s Republic of China in my capacity as Governor General of Canada.
May the pleasure of seeing you again so soon, Excellency, give me hope that the opportunities for encounters between Canadians and Chinese, and between Chinese and Canadians, will likewise multiply in the years ahead and that the friendship between our peoples will continue to deepen.
That is my deepest wish this year, a most special year in that it marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the People’s Republic of China.
