Hon. Lloyd Francis (Speaker of the House of Commons):

Mr. President of Mexico, Mr. Prime Minister, Members of the Senate and the House of Commons.

It is a great honour for me, on behalf of Members of our Houses of Parliament and guests assembled, to express our appreciation of the Address we have heard from the President of Mexico. We welcome him to Canada as the leader of a friendly nation which shares Canada's commitment to peace and development in the Americas.

Continuing with the warm friendship developed between our two countries, we have the honour of welcoming our distinguished visitor to our capital.

Canada and Mexico have enjoyed diplomatic relations for 40 years. Our two nations are linked by many important treaties and agreements in such areas of common interest as energy, culture, industry and agriculture. The past several years in particular have witnessed a very welcome increase in the number and level of official contacts between our Governments.

In 1983, a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians visited Mexico to consolidate our friendship, increase our knowledge of each other's country and explore further avenues for cooperation between our two countries. All delegates came back delighted with their visit.

May 8, 1984

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians visit Mexico every year, and the number of Mexican visitors to Canada continues to increase. The beautiful Spanish language is heard spoken more and more often in the corridors of this building as touring groups follow guides across Parliament Hill. Such exchanges foster better mutual understanding and good will. We hope that they will thrive and expand.

Mindful of the cordial relationship between our two countries, we wish to thank His Excellency for his visit and his kind words. Thank you.

This joint meeting of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada is now adjourned.

m

Wednesday, May 9, 1984

Hon. Lloyd Francis (Speaker of the House of Commons):

Order, please. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister of Canada.

Hon. Lloyd Francis (Speaker of the House of Commons):

Mr. Speaker of the Senate, Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Premier of China, Members of the Senate and the House of Commons, it is a great honour for me on behalf of Members of our Houses of Parliament and guests assembled to express our appreciation of the Address we have heard from the Premier of the People's Republic of China. We welcome him to Canada as a representative of the most populous nation on earth and also as a friend.

The establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries in 1970 was an important step leading to the resumption by China of its prominent role in the international community. Since that time there have been, as has been mentioned, an increasing number of exchanges between Canada and the People's Republic in the fields of arts and culture, science and technology, education, medicine, sports, tourism and, of course in economic areas. Canada's exports of well over $1 billion annually testify to the value of China as a trading partner.

In addition to continued economic co-operation we are encouraged by China's support for efforts to bring lasting international peace and stability.

[ Translation]

Last year, a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians went to China to increase our knowledge of each other's country, to consolidate our friendship and to explore other avenues for co-operation between our two countries. All members of the delegation were absolutely delighted with their visit.

In keeping with the warm relationship which has developed between our two countries, we are honoured to receive our distinguished visitor in our capital.

Hon. Lloyd Francis (Speaker of the House of Commons):

now invite the Right Honourable the Prime Minister to introduce His Excellency, the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

Mr. Deputy Speaker:

The Chair heard a statement that arguments presented by a member were false. There is nothing unparliamentary about that. It is said almost every day in the

House. The Hon. Member for Athabasca (Mr. Shields) on a question of privilege.