TOAST TO PRESIDENT LUBKE
Your
Excellency, President Heinrich Lubke, Madame Lubke and Distinguished Guests.
We
are honoured and especially pleased by the presence here tonight, of the
President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Heinrich Lubke. His visit,
the first of its kind, not only heralds a new era in the long-standing
friendship between our two countries and peoples, but also provides us all with
an unparalleled opportunity for reflection on the particularly warm and
friendly ties of friendship which exist today between the Federal Republic and
Ethiopia, a friendship which is founded on mutual respect for the basic
principles governing the conduct of affairs between men and dedication to the
cause of peace and justice to all.
For, unless co-operation and mutual
considerations in the level of Governments are also added, the effort put
toward the achievement of peace cannot be complete.
The
unprecedented economic resurgence of the Federal Republic since World War II
testifies to the energy and ability of the German people and their leaders and
to their capacity to overcome formidable obstacles in seeking a dignified and
satisfactory way of life. The events of the post-war years have earned and are
still earning for them the respect and admiration of the entire world.
We in Ethiopia have seen a tangible
manifestation of the Federal Republic’s recognition of the moral responsibilities
which the wealthy and prosperous nations owe to the developing states and
peoples of the world, in the extent to which the Federal Republic has involved
itself in the efforts which Ethiopia is making today to develop her economy and
to bring the blessings of modern technology and learning to the Ethiopian
peoples. We also recall the sympathy expressed by the German people when Our
country was invaded by the enemy. It is, therefore, only proper that We express
Our personal gratitude for all this and, We look forward to even closer
co-operation and collaboration in the future.
In the short time that you will spend with
Us, Mr. President, you will have the opportunity to come to know at first hand
of the beauty and rich potential of the Ethiopian nation. You will see at first
hand something of the proud heritage and culture of Our country and experience
the traditional hospitality which the Ethiopian people extend to those whom We
respect and honour. You will, We are confident, come to understand and
appreciate the fierce desire of the Ethiopian Government and people for
progress and improvement. You will see what vast wealth resides in the fertile
soil and the great watersheds of Our nation. When you take leave of Us, We hope
that you will carry away with you warm and lasting memories of the friendship
which unites the Ethiopian and German peoples as well as a practical knowledge
of the problems which face Our nations so that relations between Us will
continue to be characterized by that candor and mutual appreciation which has
been their hallmark in recent years.
It is with very real pleasure, then, that We raise Our glass in a toast
to you, Mr. President, to Madame Lubke, to your health and happiness, to
lasting friendship between Ethiopia and the Federal Republic and to the
prosperity and well being of the people of your great nation.
Oct. 22, 1964
Selected Speeches of His
Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie - page 125 -
Long live the german - ethiopian friendship / treaty of friendship |
HIM QHS conferring an order to President Lübke |
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