Speech of the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Mirek Topolánek on the occasion of Canada´s National Holiday given on 3rd July 2007

His Excellence, ladies and gentlemen,
this year it is 140 years since establishing the federal dominium of Canadian Confederation; 140 years of existence of the nation, which shows tolerance of differences as well as its will to fight for common values.
Canada was established as a diverse country, country of many differences – language, cultural and religious ones. Inborn respect of Canadians for right to difference is evidently based on this fact.
I highly appreciate this Canadian quality. In spite of this or just because of this allow me a small joke: is not there one difference here, which does not deserve to be tolerated? I mean the visa asymmetry. I am asking with all due respect: would not be hard unification better in this case, than the multicultural attitude?
I hope you will forgive me this small digression. It was the only one, I promise.
I said I appreciated the Canadian tolerance and respect for the others. I appreciate these qualities; they cannot be confused with indecisiveness or inactivity.
Consistency of Canada in protecting and promoting freedom, democracy and peace is admirable. Canadians participate in various peace-keeping and peace-making missions. This service to peace is the very basis of international identity of Canada.
In this festive occasion I regard as necessary to remember consistency and toughness regarding Canadian attitude to the Afghanistan mission.
In particular I want to emphasize your courage and your will to make sacrifices.
The people of Canada could enjoy hundred-year-long period of peace. They make sacrifices in various part of the world, instead; they make sacrifices in favour of better life other people. They deserve respect.
Fortunately, Canadian need not fight in Europe. Thus, we can intensify our relationships, which are traditionally very good.
The State Secretary for Multiculturalism Jason Kenny visited the Czech Republic about one moth ago. I hope it is just beginning of new and more intensive relationships. I would like to raise my glass to our friendship, to Canada – that large, diverse, generous and principled country.