Speech by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix at the State Banquet on the occasion of her State Visit to Mexico
Mr President,
It gives me, my son Prince Alexander, and my daughter-in-law Princess Máxima great pleasure to visit your country and to be your guests this evening.
My first acquaintance with Mexico dates from nineteen sixty-four, when I accompanied my parents on their State visit to your country. I cherish wonderful memories of this unforgettable experience. That is also true, of course, of my honeymoon, which took me to Mexico again a few years later. My father, Prince Bernhard, had a great love for your country and visited it frequently. As a result, we, his children, grew up with Mexican music, for which he had a true passion. Many years later my son Alexander got to know your country in a very different way, when he took part in the successful Fourth World Water Forum held here in two thousand and six, which Mexico organised so excellently.
We share our special feelings for your country and its imposing culture with the many millions of tourists who visit Mexico every year. They mainly come for the archaeological riches and wonderful museums, like the National Museum of Anthropology in this city. The beauty of this museum's architecture is only rivalled by the splendour of its collection. There, ancient civilisations come back to life, civilisations that flourished here centuries ago and that excelled not only in their artistic and architectural achievements, but also in their great knowledge in fields such as mathematics and astronomy. It is for example well known that the Mayas were among the first to recognise the concept of "zero" and used it in their highly accurate astronomical calculations. Mexico's efforts to preserve this unique cultural heritage are impressive and testify to a profound respect for the most ancient inhabitants of this country.
The arrival of the Spanish conquerors established a new culture on the pre-Columbian foundation, which also left its mark on your country. As a result, Mexico has become a country with strong linguistic, cultural and religious ties to Europe. From a turbulent history, the modern state of Mexico has gradually emerged. Next year you will be commemorating both the beginning of the War of Independence two hundred years ago, and the Mexican Revolution, which took place a hundred years later. That revolution launched Mexico's steady development into a modern democracy governed by the rule of law. Liberal ideas were enshrined in the Constitution and tolerance became a recognised principle in Mexican society. Large groups of political refugees have benefited from that tolerance and found a safe haven in your country.
Mr President,
In the years that have elapsed since the turn of the century, Mexico has undergone great changes. In this period, democracy has been considerably strengthened. But your country now faces major new political and economic challenges. The resolute way in which you are tackling the problems and your dedication to fighting crime and maintaining the legal order, are remarkable.
Mexico's large, dynamic economy has been hard hit by the global recession. Here too, your government has responded with vigour. The programme to support small and medium-sized businesses plays a significant role in this response. A strong and prosperous middle class is, after all, the backbone of a democratic society. Another noteworthy measure is the new Oportunidades programme, which calls on your compatriots to accept their share of responsibility and to work together with the government to combat poverty.
With its central geographic location and creative, hardworking population, it is natural for Mexico to play a leading role in the region and to function constructively as a bridge between North and South. In fulfilling this mission, Mexico has made a substantial contribution to ending civil wars and to the return of political democracy in neighbouring countries.
Where our continent is concerned, Mexico was the first country with which the European Union concluded a comprehensive cooperation agreement. The EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership is being negotiated. This is also of great significance to the European Union, as it will offer a permanent forum for consultations on major issues in the areas of security, energy and the environment.
Our countries agree that even in an economic downturn, concern about ecological issues must not slacken. Mexico, which in the recent past has itself repeatedly been hit by hurricanes and floods, plays an important role in global action on climate change and is making an active contribution to the efforts to reach a worldwide climate agreement. Closer to home, impressive results have been achieved in this country and in this city in the battle against air pollution.
Mr President,
Mexican writers and painters have created wonderful depictions in word and image of this country and its intriguing 'three cultures'. In doing so, they have added even greater lustre to the reputation of your country and carried forward the special resonance the name 'Mexico' has long had for many people. The true face of Mexico has endured throughout the ages. It gives me great pleasure to be able to renew, during this visit, my acquaintance with a country of which this can be said with so much conviction.
May I invite you all to join me in a toast to your health, Mr President, to that of Mrs Calderón, and to the further strengthening of the good relations between Mexico and the Netherlands.