It is with very real pleasure that I am making the first visit to Greece by a British Prime Minister since Mr. Macmillan came here in 1958. The interval has been far too long, given the very close ties between our two countries and the many interests we have in common. There is little need to speak of our mutual friendship because it is legendary. That it continues is shown by the warm welcome I have just received. I have come in the hope of strengthening it still further and showing the importance which I attach to Greece and to Greece's friendship for Britain on the eve of your entry to the European Community.
Your President, Mr. Karamanlis, invited me when he came to London last year, and Mr. Rallis was good enough to renew the invitation. The main purpose of the visit will be the talks with him and his colleagues, and a meeting with President Karamanlis. These will be talks between friends, particularly useful in preparing the way for a close and harmonious working partnership in the European Community.
European affairs and the effects of Greece's accession on 1 January will, of course, be one of the important subjects we shall want to discuss while I am in Athens. I shall be stressing my Government's firm commitment to the Community, and I shall be looking forward to hearing your Government's ideas for improving and strengthening it. [end p1]
I hope also to discuss with Mr. Rallis other international and regional issues of concern to us all in the West and to the NATO alliance in particular. I shall, for example, want to learn your Government's views on the implications of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. I hope that Mr. Rallis will bring me up to date on the question of renewed Greek participation in the military structure of NATO, to which we attach the greatest importance.
We shall, of course, be reviewing together all matters of common interest to our countries. We shall want to see what possibilities exist for strengthening trading links, and to discuss how industry—and our consumers—can draw most benefit from the changes which will follow the accession of Greece to the European Community.
Let me end, Prime Minister, on a personal note. This is the first time I have been to your great country. Many of the ideals which I hold most dear came from Greece and my visit therefore holds a special significance for me. I have looked forward to it eagerly and am delighted to be here.