10.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - LUNCHEON IN HONOUR OF HUNGARIAN LEADER KALLAI

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. or Feb.11 1965

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 138 –   &

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 546 -