Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech at dinner for Prime Minister of Mauritius (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: No.10 Downing Street
Source: Thatcher Archive: speaking text
Editorial comments: 1015.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 520
Themes: Commonwealth (general), Higher & further education, Trade, Foreign policy (Asia)

Sir Seewoosagur RamgoolamPrime Minister,

It is with very great pleasure that, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, I welcome you and your colleagues to Britain this week, and here at No. 10 Downing Street this evening. You are no stranger to this country. You studied in London, at University College, and practised here as a doctor for many years. I welcome you now as one of the most senior and distinguished of heads of government in the Commonwealth.

The association between Britain and Mauritius goes back to the beginning of the last century. Since that time British citizens have been visiting your country in ever increasing numbers. [end p1]

Prime Minister, it is now more than fifteen years since you became Chief Minister of your country and twelve years since you led it to independence. You did so in the framework of a multi-party constitution with H.M. The Queen as Head of State. I know that you are proud, and rightly so, that Mauritius chose and continues to choose the Westminster system of Parliamentary democracy, with its traditions of tolerance and respect for other people's views. This reflects great credit on all the citizens of Mauritius. But you have found the way both to assure your citizens freedom of choice and at the same time persuade them through parliamentary elections always to choose you! So you have had the best of both worlds. And I think I may come to you for a few tips on this important matter. [end p2]

My colleagues and I have been grateful for the opportunity during the past two days to discuss our mutual interests. We have done so as fellow members of the Commonwealth with the frankness and goodwill which characterises exchanges with our Commonwealth partners. The international scene is, as always, a mixture of sunshine and shadow. We can both take satisfaction in the independence of Zimbabwe after a long travail; and we hope that with goodwill and despite the difficulties progress can be made towards a resolution in the tensions in Southern Africa. Elsewhere—in Africa and the Indian Ocean—there are matters which cause some concern. We must continue to keep in close touch.

As regards relations between our countries you have emphasised the great importance of trade, and especially of the continued access for your sugar to the UK and Community market. [end p3] I hope I have been able to reassure you that Britain will fully respect its obligations. You have also stressed the significance of the educational links of Mauritius with this country, and your concern that it may now be more difficult for your citizens to study in this country. We value these links and want them to continue. At the same time, we cannot insulate students from overseas from the effect of the economies which we have had to impose on ourselves. It is a question of balance and I trust that we shall find one acceptable to both.

Prime Minister, we and our colleagues meet as old friends. But it is always wise to keep friendships in repair. There are always problems. The difference is that we tackle them together as friends. Provided that we do not make the mistake of ever taking each other for granted, there is no difficulty that we cannot overcome.