My very first words have to express deep appreciation for your wonderful hospitality. My wife and I are honoured to be your guests in such a splendid hall, a landmark of this magnificent city cherished worldwide.

North and South, East and West, gather in London, a unique urban pole for untold millions of men and women here and around the globe. For each, London carries a special meaning, either because it is a part of their lives, has a place in their memories or occupies, at least, a corner of their imaginations. You will not be surprised, therefore, if I too stake a modest claim of my own to this great city of yours.

The marvellous blend of tradition and novelty which is the hallmark of London, its vast size and, yet, the intimacy of its neighbourhoods, its many and lovely sights, conjure a most particular experience. There is an arresting quality to London memories that quickly captures the mind and often unchains emotion.

I recall, as if it were today (….)

Ladies and Gentlemen

Britain and Portugal are both countries of achievement and ambition. Many ties link our countries: our deep sense of nationhood; our pride in our histories; our political engagement on a global scale.

In 1386, the Treaty of Windsor pledged that there should be, from that day onward, "true, faithful, constant, mutual and perpetual Friendships, Unions, Alliances and Leagues of sincere affection" between our two countries.

Unshattered by history, we remain friends, we continue to be allies, we have become true partners in the European Union.

Our friendship has prospered in many ways.

Economic relations between our two countries — in trade, investment and tourism — are increasingly balanced and mature.

Our trade is diversified and highlights the economic evolution of both countries. Today, the main Portuguese exports to the United Kingdom are motor vehicles, spare parts and electrical equipment. Port wine, a traditional commodity, now represents less than 2% of our exports to this country.

Investment flows are becoming increasingly important. Several major Portuguese groups are represented in the United Kingdom, some of them with considerable investments such as Sonae or Logoplast. Likewise, British companies such as Vodafone Telecel, Marconi, Unilever and Barclays Bank, occupy relevant positions in the Portuguese market.

Small and medium sized companies of both countries, in a considerable number, are also co-operating in the fields of automobile, textile, tourist and electronic industries, as well as in new information technologies.

Every year, some two million tourists from the United Kingdom visit the Algarve, Madeira and Lisbon, but also, increasingly, the Douro, Oporto and the Alentejo.

Approximately thirty thousand British citizens own homes in Portugal. Close to one hundred and forty thousand Portuguese citizens live, work or study in the United Kingdom.

These facts illustrate the ties so far developed by our countries and the potential that lies ahead for the economic and cultural explorations of new areas of common interest.

Old friends we are, closer friends we become as our bilateral relationship finds a new convergence of interests, perspectives and goals in the building of the European project, an objective pursued for the freedom, wealth and security of our two peoples.

So, obviously, my Lord Mayor, our relations today have definitely overcome the view of that old sea captain who had no doubts that Britain and Portugal would always be friends... after all, where else would one get Port Wine from?

Let us therefore rejoice in the knowledge that the future of our relationship is sober, bright, and worthy of its venerable history.

I wish to thank you for this most delightful evening. Allow me to raise my glass to the friendship between our two countries, the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress and the Corporation of London.