SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE LUNCHEON HOSTED BY MR. EMILIO GONZALEZ MARQUEZ, GOVERNOR OF JALISCO, GUADALAJARA

Guadalajara, Mexico, 19th April 2008

Hon'ble Governor of Jalisco, Senor Emilio Gonzalez Marquez and Senora Imelda Guzman de Gonzalez,

Distinguished Federal Members and Legislators from the State of Jalisco,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am deeply privileged to be here in the 'Most Mexican of the Mexican cities' - the historic city of Guadalajara. I sincerely appreciate the warm hospitality extended to me and to my delegation.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to convey greetings and good wishes from the people of India. Just as in case of Mexico, we in India too have federal structure of provinces. Our two countries match in cultural and ethnic diversities. This is our strength. We are united in our diversities. Our plurality and inclusiveness are our strength.

I have had the opportunity of exchanging views with President Calderon on how to add depth and substance to the 'Privileged Partnership' that we entered into during his visit to India in September 2007. This can be done by exploiting synergies at different levels between our countries - between Governments both national and regional, institutions and people.

The province of Jalisco and the city of Guadalajara are repositories of diverse and developed traditions. The world famous mural paintings of Jose Clemente Orozco, a proud son of the region, speak for the artistic vibrancy of your state. The enchanting Mariachi music belongs here. We were warmly greeted at the airport today, with music. The October Festival and the Guadalajara International Film Festival have worldwide recognition. Guadalajara and its Plaza are a tourist's delight.

In business and education also you have made exceptional progress. The Silicon Valley of Mexico is located here. You host the second largest University in Mexico, the University of Guadalajara. The textile industry is thriving in your province and you can boast of a blossoming fashion industry. It has also emerged as a strong centre of the food processing industry and is even well-known for its pharmaceutical sector.

In other words, the vast canvas of music, arts, textiles, cinema, education, fashion and tourism provides opportunities for cooperation between us. I invite the Government and the people of Jalisco to explore such opportunities in India.

Hon'ble Governor, while thanking you and the people of Jalisco once again for your generous hospitality, I would like to propose a toast to:-

- the health and well-being of the Governor of Jalisco and Senora Imelda Guzman de Ganzalez,

- the happiness and prosperity of the people of Jalisco, and

- durable and strong friendship between India and Mexico.

Gracias y Buena suerte.

(Thank You and Good Luck.)