As you will see Prime Minister Harper, an accomplished historian in his own right, also reached back into history to describe the historical ties between Mexico and Canada. You will find highlights from his speech below.

Prime Minister Stephen J. Harper: The President has already mentioned that one of my predecessors, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, visited here more than 50 years ago. I want to tell you a little bit of a story about that visit that you were kind enough not to recount. Remembering that audiences generally react well to a visitor’s attempt to speak to them in their own language, Mr. Diefenbaker ventured a few words of greeting.

Later, he asked his Mexican counterpart if he delivered the lines properly. His host replied that his greeting was perfect.

Perfect Portuguese.

So, ladies and gentlemen, let me just say, me de mucho gusto estar aquí.

I’m delighted to be here.

Estoy sinceremente agradecido pour el opportunidad de ofrecer un brindis para celebrar a nuestros dos grandes paises.

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to offer a toast to our two great countries.

But before we raise our glasses, let me also say that in order to understand the strong and dynamic relationship that today exists between Canada and Mexico, we should follow the thread that joins us back to the beginning.

Nearly 250 years ago, the explorer Juan Perez led a crew from New Spain up along the coast of the Pacific Northwest.

Not only did Perez venture further along that coast than any previous expedition, he also discovered and recorded some of the islands which today make up part of our province of British Columbia.

In recognition of his skill, bravery and lasting contribution to Canada, the sound off the east coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands today bears the name of Juan Perez.

And the Juan Perez Sound is but one of many features in that region that serves as a testament to our shared history.

There’s Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, named for another great soldier and explorer, FloresIsland, off the coast of Vancouver Island, and Principe Channel on the north coast of British Columbia, to name just a few.

Now, of course, today our continent, indeed our world, is a very different place than it was when wooden ships with tall masts and expansive sails glided north and south and around the world.

And yet, remarkably here we are, Canada and Mexico, allies, partners, and above all else, friends.

We certainly had our differences.

That’s not unexpected.

But since the first Canadian diplomatic mission opened its doors in Mexico City exactly 70 years ago, our relationship has grown and matured.

As I said in my remarks earlier today...

We have become even closer, remarkably close, in NAFTA’s very short lifetime.

Indeed, over the past 20 years, trade, travel and investment has experienced phenomenal growth, and this growth has resulted in greater prosperity for all of the peoples who call this continent home.

Today Canada and Mexico share interests, values and priorities, and Mr. President, I daresay that you and I share the same dream: we want to see our peoples flourish.

It was Octavio Paz, the Mexican diplomat, poet and Nobel laureate who famously said, and I quote, deserve your dream.

Mr. President, let this be our goal for our countries, and above all else, for our peoples.

They deserve nothing less.

Now, I’d like you all to join me in raising a glass to Mexico and to Canada, and to our shared dreams for the future.

To Mexico and Canada.