On behalf of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, an official dinner was given at the Residence of the Prime Minister in honor of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who is in Armenia on official visit. In line with the applicable protocol, the two heads of government exchanged toasts and talked about Armenian-Canadian relations and the prospects for their development.

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Toast proposed by RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the official dinner hosted in honor of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Dear friends, today we are hosting a very much honored guest. Over the last few days, I often heard compliments addressed to my Canadian counterpart that can hardly be translated correctly, but people, including me, look at him and say, he is just a “source of light.”

Indeed, someone is hardly ever the same in photos, on TV and in reality. But Mr. Trudeau is an exception: he is true in reality and real in television. I think this reflects the most important aspiration of modern man, namely to be real, to be surrounded by real people, to have real power in time, understand the real problems and can speak of the truth, that is, the reality.

I think Mr. Trudeau is one of those world leaders whose appearance in the political arena ushered in a new trend which substituted formality and protocol with the truth and sincerity. And I believe it to be crucial nowadays; perhaps the most important thing people want to see.

Today, we talked at length and came to the conclusion that most people do not need social security, which is not less important, instead they want to be respected and heard by their native authorities.

We must live, surrounded with real content, no matter how difficult the reality is, no matter how unpleasant the reality is. I appreciate our meeting - a very symbolic one held in New Armenia - and I do believe that the Right Honorable Prime Minister of Canada, my friend Justin Trudeau, symbolizes the triumph of truth.

I believe that the triumph of the truth will continue in the world. As you noticed, I did not speak about the relations between our countries; I talked about people, about human phenomena, because I believe that country-to-country relations are the reflection of human ties. I tried to emphasize our country’s affection for Canada, the Canadian people, and tried to describe the atmosphere in which I see the development of our relations.

It has been talked about much these days, and the Prime Minister himself mentioned that he had the opportunity to visit Armenia with his father Pierre Trudeau back in 1984. And I hope that Justin Trudeau understands that during that Soviet era he was not alone with his dad, they were not alone… Our security service officers searched for and found this photo in the State Security Committee archives. And what is interesting is that little Justin was of no interest to the State Security Committee, and he is absent on this photo. I am now handing it to my friend with great pleasure.

But that is not all. I wondered what Mr. Trudeau was known for and what I myself was known for, and also how I could compete with our beloved Prime Minister. And I suddenly realized that I am known for my selfies and Mr. Trudeau - for his socks. An Armenian company has decided to make a special present for the two of us that may be the beginning of a close friendship. One pair of these socks is yours, Mr. Prime Minister, and one is mine.”

I propose a toast for our two countries’ friendship, for Canada’s statehood and people, for the Canadian Prime Minister and Government. Robust health to you, dear brother!

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Justin Trudeau’s toast at the official dinner hosted by PM Nikol Pashinyan in honor of Canada’s Prime Minister

Hospitality like this implies a serious challenge. I mean that the toast that I am going to propose is the only thing to keep the invitees away from these delicious dishes. I know that many of you have had a long and difficult day, so I will try not to keep you too long. This is not like an official dinner, it looks as if we were sitting around with friends and that is how it should be.

Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. President, Nikol and Armen, it is truly a great pleasure for me to get to know your country and you. As you said, I had the opportunity to be here 30 years ago with my father, and now I am back with great pleasure.

I am happy to see first-hand your country in progress, the people of your country. I praise and welcome you for that. Many nations are now retreating from democracy due to their populist ambitions. Today, you are proudly and consistently heading in the right direction with your country bound to democracy. I am complimenting you on my own behalf, and also on behalf of your Canadian compatriots. I am glad to represent not only my delegation, but also all Canadian Armenians, among whom I have many friends.

I think that Nikol has lived up to the challenge of fluency as he proudly spoke French to all delegations in attendance of the Francophone Summit.

Since Canada recently hosted the G7 Summit, I know very well what kind of organizational effort is needed to organize such a high-profile event. I must say that you did it with honor, and I would like to express my gratitude to the team of organizers.

It was a pleasure for me to communicate with you, and I would like to thank everyone for partnership and collaboration, for the road we have to go through together. This toast is for all of us, for Armenia and the Armenian people!