Paris (AP)
Jacques Chirac bid a fond farewell to outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien today, referring to him repeatedly as "mon Cher Jean" and saying relations between the two countries had never been better.

Chretien responded in kind, referring to Chirac as, among other things, "Mon amie Jacques," "Mon petit choufleur," and most controversially, "Honey buns."

Chretien, who had obviously consumed several glasses of french wine at that point, seemed not to even notice the gaffe, as he described Canada and France's relationship in increasingly florrid terms.

"Canada and France, "he said "are like two close cousins, who on seeing each other for the first time, steal away from the adults to the privacy of the garage and explore their newfound love."

Observers were shocked at the allusion, and upon demanding that he clarify, Chretien responded, "Honey buns knows just what I mean."

Chretien's state visit to France continues.