“It is always a pleasure for me to visit London,” the PM said. “There are very few places in the world that can match the feeling of history and modernity that can be found here. In combination, they give London her distinctive flavour. A flavour that can only be fully appreciated with repeated servings. And I must say I have had my share.”

Chrétien no doubt was referring, in part, to his many trips across the Atlantic in the 1980s as Minister of Justice at the time of the discussions at the time of the repatriation of Canada’s Constitution.

You can read an edited transcript of the 20th PM’s address below.

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien: Common history and values have made Canada and the United Kingdom strong allies and close partners. We have grown together. Worked together. And when the cause of freedom and humanity demanded it in this century, we fought and died together. Few nations enjoy the scope and ease of contact that we do -- at every level from government to business, to the arts to the millions of personal connections that link friends and family across the Atlantic…

I want to pay tribute to the memory of the Princess of Wales, who did so much to mobilize public opinion in your country and many others, in support of banning these terrible weapons. And the decision of your new government to come on board will help make this treaty a reality. I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Blair as we work to bring the treaty into force as soon as possible and bring more countries on board.

Our shared values are also clear in the support of Canada for a lasting resolution to the issue of Northern Ireland. And we are proud to lend the services of one of our most distinguished soldiers -- John de Chastelain -- to the Decommissioning Commission.

This complex and lasting bond between our nations exists in a world that is changing -- with breathtaking speed. We are now part of a global village and a global economy.

A new economy, where knowledge and innovation are the keys to prosperity. A new world that both our nations are meeting head on. Not with fear and trepidation. But openly. With vigour. With enthusiasm. With our sleeves rolled up. In search of new opportunities and new partnerships.

At the same time, we want to build on existing partnerships. For Canada, the Trans-Atlantic connection to the United Kingdom and Europe is not an artifact of our history, it is a key to our future.

We believe that we share common cause with Britain on the issue of promoting freer trade and investment. In the Joint Declaration Prime Minister Blair and I issued, we agreed to a joint study on eliminating barriers to trade. And we agreed to promote new trade and investment links between our two countries.

The benefits of investment flow two ways -- to the recipient and the investor.

The Canada-UK commercial relationship is by every measure the most extensive Canada has in Europe. Our bilateral trade in goods and services exceeded $15.0 billion in 1996. And we have invested in each other's economies to the tune of over $30.0 billion.

Nearly 5,000 foreign firms have investments in Canada -- 650 of which are from the United Kingdom. Not to appear greedy, but we want more. We need more. Canada needs more expertise, technology and investment to maintain our prosperity. We welcome new UK firms to join those that have already chosen Canada. We welcome you to come and share in our possibilities and the returns...

There is also a small thing you can do that could have a big effect on Canada-UK relations. Canada. Hire a young Canadian as an intern. Many of our young people are eager to learn the ways of international trade and investment. Many would jump at the chance to train on-the-job here in Britain. They would bring a lot of energy and ambition to you companies. And you would learn more about the possibilities of Canada in the bargain...

Ladies and gentlemen, the connection that was forged 500 years ago is strong and deep as we head into a new millennium. Not as New World and Old. Not as Colony and Empire. But as partners with shared values and world views… We have come a long way together. And I believe that our best days lie ahead.