PM delivers brief remarks at a luncheon hosted by the President of Chile

Well, thank you very much. Distinguished members of the presidential delegation, honoured guests, Madam President, thank you for sharing your insightful opinions on the solid and ever-improving relations between our two countries.

The relations between our two countries, Canada and Chile, are a model for any two countries, of friendship and cooperation, North-South, in the region of the Americas. Canada is proud to have been the first country, I'm told not just the first in the hemisphere but the first in the world, to sign a comprehensive free trade agreement with your country. Two-way trade between Canada and Chile, partly I'm sure due to the efforts of this organization, has tripled since that agreement came into force a little over a decade ago. In fact, Canada is now the third-largest investor in Chile behind only the United States and Spain, and we are close to finalizing two new chapters of our free trade agreement that will create additional business opportunities for Chilean and Canadian business. The five memoranda of understanding, Madam President, that you mentioned that we signed yesterday will further enhance our cooperation in science and technology, mining, education, youth mobility and two-way investment; in other words, not just enhancing our economic activity and our economic interaction, but also social and cultural interaction between our peoples as well. Of course it goes without saying that Canada supports your accession to membership in the OECD.

Chile is leading the way in the Americas on democracy and development. Through trade, investment and educational exchanges, we support Chile's aspirations for the region. We support common values for the region and for the world. We understand not just the importance of freedom and democracy, but the values that that can promote among nations: economic openness and trade and also better social justice and social cohesion, both within our countries and throughout the world. As we look to the future, Canada and Chile face new challenges and opportunities. As you noted, Madam President, energy pricing and security is a critical issue for both of us. It's a critical issue around the world, and so is the related need to a global solution to the global problem of climate change.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Canada-Chile relationship prospers not only because of our common belief in the virtues of free enterprise and open markets, but also thanks to our shared commitment to the values espoused by all civilized societies: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. When these values were violated systematically in Chile during the 1970s and 1980s, let me assure you, Madam President, Canadians were proud to provide sanctuary for thousands of Chileans and to this day we admire you, your courage as a leader in the long struggle to restore freedom and democracy in your country. Please accept my heartfelt bon voyage as you move from Ottawa to the wonderful City of Quebec.

Your visit coincides with this year’s celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City.

Quebec City is not as old as Santiago, I know that well, but at the same time, it is one of the oldest permanent establishments, in fact maybe the second oldest permanent establishment, in all of North America, and certainly in Canada, and it is the birthplace of our country, something that we understand and that we value to this day. So I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time there. Let me thank you once again for honouring Canada with your visit. Let me close on a word of congratulations, congratulating you publicly for the birth of your new and first grandchild. I believe that the efforts we're making together as nations will strengthen and deepen Canada-Chile relations and they will pay dividends for all of our children and our grandchildren long into the future. Gracias, merci beaucoup, thank you.

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