The Unofficial British Royal Family Pages

2 Dec 1997 - HM The Queen's speech at the state banquet for the President of Brazil

The following information is taken from a Buckingham Palace Press release.

THE QUEEN'S SPEECH AT THE STATE BANQUET FOR THE PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL, BUCKINGHAM PALACE. TUESDAY 2ND DECEMBER, 1997

Your Excellency

I am delighted to welcome you and Senhora Cardoso to Buckingham Palace.

I hope it is not presumptuous to say that we regard you, Mr. President, as an old friend. Cambridge University had the good judgement to offer you a visiting professorship twenty years ago, which you were kind enough to accept. I know that Prince Philip is looking forward to conferring on you an honorary degree on Thursday - when you will, I understand, be the first Brazilian ever to receive such recognition. I know, too, that Cambridge is particularly pleased also to be welcoming Senhora Cardoso, herself a distinguished Professor of Anthropology.

Mr. President, your visit reflects the warm and long-standing friendship which exists between Britain and Brazil. I hope you will regard your visit, and the interest it has aroused, as something of a tribute to the remarkable political and economic transformation which your country has accomplished, and to your own contribution to that process. You do not need me to remind you that Brazil is now one of the fastest-growing and most exciting economies in the world.

Looking back at our shared history, we in Britain recall with pride the role of Admiral Cochrane more than one hundred and seventy years ago in helping Brazil achieve her independence, and the subsequent activities of British investors and engineers in helping to build Brazil's infrastructure. We also recall with gratitude how Brazil came to our aid in two world wars, and fought alongside the Allies in the cause of liberty.

Despite the physical distance which separates us, Brazil and Britain have both shown a readiness to take on that common responsibility to face up to the global challenges which now affect us all. Brazil's leadership in the environmental sector was underscored by the landmark conference held in Rio de Janeiro five years ago, when the international community finally began to take seriously the issues of global warming and sustainable development.

Today we work together not just for mutual benefit, but for that of the world. This is especially true of environmental issues, but we are also partners in consolidating respect for human rights, combating the scourges of drug-trafficking and international terrorism, and in promoting peace and stability, through our respective contributions to peace-keeping and to the wider work of the United Nations.

We share, too, a passion for sport and look forward to a visit to London this week from the incomparable Pele. We also look forward to next summer when Brazil, England and Scotland will join the other finalists in the 1998 World Cup in France. You will, I hope, understand if I stop short of wishing the Brazilian team too much luck in their defence of their title as World Champions which they won, and which they carry, with such distinction.

Mr. President, our two countries are closely linked by history, by common interests, and by shared ideals and aspirations. We welcome you most warmly to the United Kingdom and look forward to an exciting future together.

I raise my glass to you, to Senhora Cardoso, and to the prosperity and happiness of the people of Brazil.