SPEECH BY HON'BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE GIFTING OF KEY CEREMONY IN THE MAYOR'S OFFICE IN SANTIAGO

Santiago, Chile, 21st April 2008

Hon'ble Mayor,

Distinguished Citizens of Santiago,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am overwhelmed by the honour you have bestowed on me by presenting me the key to the city of Santiago. I convey my sincere thanks to you, Hon'ble Mayor, to your distinguished colleagues in the City Council and to the people of this great city for this gesture.

Santiago is a city with a long and varied history; a history of national pride and self-confidence. From its early beginning as a fortified encampment, Santiago has grown impressively and, I understand, that more than one-third of the population of Chile currently resides in Santiago. Yours is a city rich in heritage, architecture and beauty. It is also a city which can boast of an extra-ordinary intellectual and educational caliber. The majority of the human population globally is now residing in urban centres and cities, which have become potent instruments for national economic and social development. Cities and urban centres are the engines of growth and offer many opportunities for work and livelihood to people. Santiago is the capital of Chile and also I understand the main cultural and financial centre of the country. It is no wonder that Santiago is today a magnet attracting people from all over South America and from around the world. I am, therefore, most pleased to be in Santiago and to interact with the citizens of this historic city.

Hon'ble Mayor, a new era of cooperation is beginning between India and Chile and I have no doubt that in this new era the city of Santiago will play an increasingly larger role, be it on the trade, economic and financial aspects or in the cultural, educational and scientific spheres.

Santiago is also one of the three major financial centres of South America. It has become home to many multinational companies. India too has a rapidly growing economy and Indian companies have reached out to Chile and to Santiago. Cooperation in the trade, economic and financial spheres thus opens up further areas of cooperation between Santiago and India. We would encourage this.

I thank you once again for the honour you have bestowed on me today and for the opportunity you have given me to meet the friendly people of this great city. Mis majores deseos para los cuidadanos de la Santiago.

(My best wishes to the citizens of Santiago)