LUNCHEON IN HONOUR OF
HUNGARIAN LEADER KALLAI
It is gratifying to Us tonight to renew
once more our salutations of welcome to our guest, the distinguished Chair-man
of the Council of Ministers of Hungary, Mr. Gyula Kallai. We ask you, Mr. Chairman,
to convey to the Government and people of Hungary, the sincere greetings and
sentiments of warm friendship of the Ethiopian people.
We know well that Ethiopia’s good wishes
are reciprocated for We retain happy memories of the enthusiastic welcome and
general hospitality which were accorded to Us at every hand during Our most
enjoyable visit to Hungary less than two years ago. Your visit, Mr. Chairman,
forges another important link in the bond of friendship which draws our two
nations closer together. During the course of your stay with Us, you will have the
opportunity to view closely the culture and traditions of our ancient state and
so better understand the unique role which Ethiopia has been enable to fulfil
in African and world affairs.
The distance which separates our two
nations is no longer an excuse for remote and distant relations. While there
are vast differences in the historical experiences of our peoples, yet today we
are confronted with the same concerns, the same interests and we share the same
aspirations for the future of our peoples. The very diversity of the world’s
peoples today constitutes one of mankind’s great resources; the different
philosophies with which nations approach their problems lead inevitably to
development of a vast array of methods and techniques. These variations are necessary,
for each people must find solutions which are responsive to its particular
needs.
There are no
universal panaceas for the problems of development with which the greater part
of mankind is today faced. Each nation will inevitably pursue that course which
appears best suited to its own unique characteristics, but no nation can pursue
its course in isolation and no nation can develop and prosper with its back
turned to the rest of the world in terms of trade, techniques, resources and
ideas. Each of us depends upon the other, can learn from the other and in
pursuing its own destiny will go further and succeed more quickly with others.
Indeed, the free exchange of support and ideas is an essential condition to
world understanding and equally to world progress.
Africa’s Awakening
The past ten years have witnessed the
great awakening of this continent, Mr. Chairman. New states, each partaking of
its own diverse culture and tradition have emerged and this gives us reason for
rejoicing while at the same time we have to continue to struggle for the
liberation of the entire continent. Ethiopia’s situation is particularly unique
in the light of its centuries of vigorously defended independence. Yet, we have
recognized great common goals and ideals which we share with our brethren
throughout this continent and have striven energetically with them to establish
and maintain that Organization of African Unity which serves us as the most
effective instrument for unity and co-operation.
Your visit to Ethiopia, Mr. Chairman, is
symbolic of Hungary’s acceptance of the same ideas which have so guided our
nations. We believe that this visit and the discussions which will ensue, will
open the way to further exchanges between our two peoples so that friendship
between us will grow and deepen from its auspicious beginnings.
We look forward
earnestly to even closer relations with the Hungarian Government and people. We
are confident that significant avenues of co-operation will be found along which
our two nations may together progress in furtherance of their common desire to
provide a better and more meaningful way of life for all.
We raise our glasses in toast to the
lasting friendship between the Ethiopian and Hungarian peoples to their common
growth and happiness and prosperity, to the good health and long life of our
distinguished guest, His Excellency Mr. Kallai and Madam Kallai.
Feb. 10, 1966.
Selected Speeches
of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 138 –
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