To an Official Luncheon Hosted by the President of the Republic of Senegal The Honourable Abdou Diouf

Thank you most sincerely for your warm words. I know they express your genuine affection for my country and fellow citizens. Who have had the pleasure of hosting you on several occasions.

You have done such a marvellous job of describing our relations, past and present, that I dare say have arisen as much from the heart as from the mind. They have the constancy that comes from being founded on trust, on many years of understanding and a passion for building the future together.

Since the 1970s, political co-operation between our two countries has grown, as you know, through our involvement in a new alliance called La Francophonie. Trudeau and Senghor, both visionary builders, believed in this movement. And Senegal and Canada have used this international alliance as a springboard for forging many other partnerships.

You too, Mr. President, believed in it. And you have worked tirelessly to support it. For Senegal, but also for all of Africa. The noble goals underlying this enterprise are stirring people into action. And the methods it promotes - dialogue and sharing - are values you can call your own.

Mr. President, Canada's commitment to Senegal has stood the test of time.

Because Senegal embraces many of the qualities that the Government of Canada believes foster productive cooperation.

First, the multiparty system that has existed in Senegal for close to 20 years fulfills a fundamental requirement of democracy -- a parliamentary opposition. Senegal also stands out as a country that respects the rule of law, civil institutions and human rights. Third, our approaches to international issues share much in common. Among other influences, they are shaped by tolerance and respect for diverse cultures. And Canada looks on Senegal as a good economic partner.

It is time that our trade and economic partnerships see the same level of growth as we have in the areas of politics and cooperation. Canada and Senegal have what it takes to make our economic relations the driving force behind our bilateral activities. Our countries share the desire to create jobs and broaden the base of our respective economies. And together we can succeed in providing our citizens with the best possible quality of life.

Canada will continue its involvement in Senegal. As members of the Francophone family, our two countries are proud of their past but are ready to face the future. This is who we are and we are proud of it.

Mr. President, the relations between Canada and Senegal are evolving. We want to achieve balance among our political relations, development assistance and economic partnerships. A balance that will demonstrate that the bonds between our two nations are growing in strength and maturity every day. Bonds that stand as the legacy of those Senegalese and Canadians who, long ago, have long been able to see the natural affinities between our two peoples.

Mr. President, I raise my glass to the friendship between our two countries and our shared future.