Rideau Hall, Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Mr. President, last year marked the 50^th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution.

This was an important chapter in the history of the last century, which saw the people of Hungary stand up in an attempt to throw off the chains of the Soviet empire.

The shockwaves of that Revolution reached across the Atlantic Ocean and echoed here in Canada.

After the Soviet army crushed the uprising, Canadians welcomed 40,000 refugees fleeing oppression and tyranny.

We opened our doors and our hearts to people whose only crime was their desire to live in freedom.

We answered the call of your people because of the strong bonds of friendship that link Hungary and Canada.

These bonds were forged in the early years of our young country’s existence.

In the 1880s, Canada offered immigrants from Hungary the opportunity to make a new life here for themselves and their families.

And in return, those women and men were eager to help build our society.

Since then, many Hungarians have come to Canada and enriched our society with their hard work, their industry, and their vibrant cultural heritage.

Many Canadians of Hungarian descent have climbed to the highest summits of human achievement.

People like Ivan Fellegi, Chief Statistician of Canada, who is running what The Economist considers to be “the best statistical agency in the world.”

And George Jonas, a well‑known writer and outstanding journalist.

Robert Lantos, one of the leading figures in Canada’s audiovisual industry.

Peter Munk, one of our country’s most prominent businessmen and philanthropists.

John Polanyi, who received the 1986 Nobel Prize for his innovative research in chemistry.

And Anna Porter, novelist and publisher, who has played a pivotal role in promoting Canadian authors abroad.

These leaders have also taught us much about Hungary.

The cooperation between the governments of Canada and Hungary have certainly benefited from these successful exchanges.

But this is nothing new.

In fact, the first official agreement between our two nations was signed 131 years ago! It is an extradition treaty that remains in force to this very day.

Since then, many other agreements have been signed, including several treaties covering matters such as legal proceedings, investment protection, film and video co-production, as well as an agreement on air transport and many more.

We are also partners in several international bodies, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Speaking of NATO, I am pleased to underline the fact that Canada was one of the earlier member countries to support the expansion of the Alliance, and we were proud to be one of the first member nations to ratify NATO’s enlargement.

Since that time, our two countries have strengthened their relationship in the area of military cooperation. An excellent example of this is the 17-year agreement signed by Hungary and Canada in 2002 for the training of Hungarian military pilots under the NATO Flying Training in Canada Program.

Let us also not forget that troops from our two countries have served together in Bosnia and are currently part of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

After decades of war and distress, the people of Afghanistan are trying to lay the foundation for a future in which they will be able to live in security and aspire to stability.

I am reminded of a Hungarian proverb that speaks volumes of our shared desire to help those who are the most in need: “If someone throws a stone at you, throw him some bread.”

The past few years have seen more and more collaborative efforts between Hungary and Canada in a number of sectors.

For example, our nations currently enjoy a strong trading relationship.

Imports from Hungary are growing at an impressive rate.

Canada’s direct investments in Hungary reached 6.78 billion dollars in 2005. This is a sign of the confidence that Canadian entrepreneurs have in your country.

Mr. President, rest assured that your visit to Canada will further strengthen the already close ties between our two countries.

As Imre Kertesz, winner of the 2002 Nobel Prize in Literature, so eloquently put it, may the ties that bind us rekindle the hope that we will achieve [translation] “all that life aspires to become,” for the greater good of us all.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast to the great people of Hungary… May our friendship continue to thrive!