Mr. President, Madame Chirac,

I recall with great pleasure my visit to France last April and I am pleased to have the opportunity to welcome you both to Windsor Castle tonight.

This evening marks the culmination of the celebrations of the centenary of the Entente Cordiale. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the very many people on both sides of the Channel who have worked so hard to organise the celebrations. The extent of these activities reminds us all that the Entente Cordiale is above all about the people of our two countries from every walk of life getting on with each other and working together with common purpose and shared vision.

Ladies and Gentlemen, recognising that we are not only neighbours but partners as we face the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century ahead, I would ask you to rise and drink a toast to:

The President and people of France; Vive L'Entente Cordiale.