A speech by The Queen at the Mexican State Visit Banquet, 2009
Published
British engagement in independent Mexico has contributed other interests, not the least of which has been the introduction of the game of football, a subject about which I have learnt over the years that it is generally unwise to draw national comparisons
Mr. President,
I am delighted to welcome you and Señora Zavala as our guests this evening, on the first day of your State Visit to the United Kingdom.
Prince Philip and I have fond memories of our visits to Mexico in 1975 and 1983. We admired then your capital city, the richness of your culture and the grandeur of Mexico’s environment, and were received by your people with great warmth. It is nearly a quarter of a century since President de la Madrid paid a State Visit here and so we are very pleased indeed to renew our countries’ many associations today.
Britain and Mexico are old friends. Next year marks the bicentenary of your country’s independence which the United Kingdom was the first in Europe to recognise. British engineers and businessmen helped to reopen your mines, rebuild your economy, and develop your ports, roads and railways. And from those early beginnings, Mexico has become one of our most important markets. Your Excellency, I hope very much that your visit will succeed in deepening these links for the future.
The British engagement in independent Mexico has contributed other interests, not the least of which has been the introduction of the game of football, a subject about which I have learnt over the years that it is generally unwise to draw national comparisons. There are, of course, very many other active associations which bind our countries.
We enjoy, for example, a long history of educational and cultural exchange. Mexican students began attending our Universities in the 1940s and, today, nearly 2,000 do so each year, many on British government scholarships.
In our cultural exchanges, Mexican art and history will have been prominent in major exhibitions at the Tate Modern Gallery and the British Museum. And our people themselves visit our respective countries more than ever, with much-improved, direct transport links.
Mr. President, you have often spoken of your wish to see more of Mexico in the world and more of the world in Mexico. You may be assured of the United Kingdom’s support for your country’s important, emerging economy to play a fuller role in today’s world. Indeed, Mexico’s participation in the London Summit later this week attests to your nation’s vital role in global economic affairs.
In the fields of international trade and sustainable development, our two countries are already working very closely together. Indeed, in our partnership on climate change, we have cause to be very grateful to Mexico for the role which you have played in bringing developed and developing countries together.
Your Excellency, your visit marks a time when our countries have never been closer. Indeed, each of those present here this evening will join me in wishing our enduring relationship a long and prosperous future as international partners in a common cause.
Mr President, I wish you and Señora Zavala a very happy visit to this country.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you all to rise and drink a toast to President Calderón and Señora Zavala, and to the people of the United Mexican States.
Related content
State banquet in Malta, 23 November 2005
We both retain a deep affection for your country and the outgoing, generous Maltese people who have always offered us the hand of friendship.
State Banquet, President of the People's Republic of China, 8 November 2005
It matters to all of us what kind of country China's people will build.
Norway State Banquet, 25 October 2005
I remember the bonfires along the coastline as we arrived and the enthusiastic welcome we received as guests of your grandfather, King Haakon.
Centenary of Alberta joining Confederation, Alberta Legislature, Canada, 24 May 2005
While all Albertans — and all Canadians — value this history as a colourful account of the past, we also view it as a foundation for our present and future.
Farewell dinner in Alberta, Canada, 24 May 2005
I have so many vivid memories and a tremendous sense of pride in being part of the Canadian family.
Federal lunch in Regina, Saskatchewan, 20 May 2005
I retain a deep affection for this great country and for the people who take such pride in saying "I am Canadian".
Saskatchewan Legislature, Canada, 18 May 2005
My mother once said that this country felt like a "home away from home" for the Queen of Canada. Ladies and gentlemen, six decades later it still does...
First Nations University of Regina, Saskatchew, Canada, 17 May 2005
Bearing the cipher of Queen Victoria as well as my own, this stone is presented to the First Nations University of Canada.
Visit to Jersey to mark the 60th anniversary of Liberation, 9 May 2005
I am pleased that so many people are present today for whom the 9th of May has such a personal significance.
State Banquet, President of Italy, 15 March 2005
We in Britain today are enthusiastic admirers of Italian culture, Italian fashion and Italian food.
State Banquet, President of the Republic of Korea, 1 December 2004
I was struck by the spirit of the Korean people, and their determination to overcome adversity
A speech by The Queen to Parliament in Düsseldorf, 2004
I depart with renewed confidence in the deep friendship between our two countries.
Visit to Potsdam, German State Visit, 3 November 2004
I am pleased that Britain continues to play an active role in promoting Brandenburg's prosperity.
State Banquet held in the Zeughaus, Berlin, Germany, 2 November 2004
Each time I return to Berlin I marvel at the changes.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will pay a State Visit to Germany
State Banquet, Buckingham Palace, President of Poland, 5 May 2004
We both look forward with optimism as partners working closely together for a stronger more effective Europe.
Lunch at the Hotel Matignon, Paris, 6 April 2004
I ask you to join me in a toast to the French Republic, to the President and to the prosperity of its regions and cities.
Visit to Toulouse, State Visit, France, 7 April 2004
It is fitting that my visit to France should end with this impressive example of Franco-British and European co-operation.
Hôtel De Ville in Toulouse, French State Visit, 7 April 2004
Links between Britain and Toulouse have existed over many centuries.
French Senate, State Visit to France, 6 April 2004
Democracy is the most precious gift we have and we can never take it for granted.
Centenary of the Entente Cordiale, State Banquet, Paris, 5 April 2004
Vive la difference, mais vive L'Entente Cordiale.
Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting reception, Nigeria, 3 December 2003
Nigeria has much to be proud of.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will pay a State Visit to France
State Banquet, President of the United States of America, 19 November 2003
We share the confidence - and the courage - to try and make this a more prosperous, a safer, and above all a freer world.
State Visit by the President of the United States of America
A speech by The Queen at the Russian State Banquet, 2003
Russia has established itself as our partner and our friend.
Ottawa, Canada, 13 October 2002
Wherever the future may take us, my admiration and affection for Canada and Canadians everywhere is - and will always remain - clear, strong and sure.
Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, 7 October 2002
Je chéris ma place dans la vie du Canada et mon lien avec tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes.
Legislative Assembly in Nunavut, Canada, 4 October 2002
I am proud to be the first member of the Canadian Royal Family to be greeted in Canada's newest territory.
Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane, Australia, 3 March 2002
We have both been struck by both the diversity as well as the dynamism of Australia, and the vigour and humour of Australians everywhere.
Adelaide Festival Hall, Australia, 27 February 2002
Whatever may lie ahead, I declare again here tonight that my admiration, affection and regard for the people of Australia will remain, as it has been over these past fifty...
Maori gathering at Rehua Marae, Christchurch, New Zealand, 25 February 2002
New Zealand is working to improve and strengthen all the various relationships between Maori and the Crown.
State dinner in Wellington, New Zealand, 25 February 2002
It is both a privilege and a pleasure to have served as Queen of New Zealand for these fifty years.
Jamaican Parliament, 19 February 2002
The Commonwealth remains one of the strongest pillars for the building of world-wide peace, growth and development.
