Britain has a very special relationship with Zimbabwe and I am delighted to welcome you, Robert MugabeMr. Prime Minister, your wife, and your distinguished colleagues on this, your first official visit to Britain since Zimbabwe's independence in April 1980. The discussions which we had before lunch provided me with a most useful opportunity to exchange views with a national leader who has had his own share of difficulties to overcome, and who has tackled them with a strength of purpose we have all admired. [end p1]
I am indebted to you for the friendly and open manner in which you gave me your account of events in your country, including some of the problems you still face, and for allowing me the opportunity to explain our point of view on the grave issues which are at present uppermost in our minds. I am grateful to you and your Government for the support they have given to our continuing efforts to reach a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the South Atlantic.
Your visit in present circumstances is not without a certain irony. [end p2] Two and a half years ago, at Lancaster House, we were faced with another seemingly intractable problem and one which successive British Governments had tried in vain to resolve. But with sufficient determination, and willingness on all sides to work, and work again, for an acceptable solution, we were able in the end to reach a satisfactory result.
Much progress has been made in Zimbabwe since Lancaster House. The former separate military forces have been merged into a single national army, a task in which we have been glad to help through our British Military Advisory and Training Team. [end p3] Reconstruction and rehabilitation proceeded at remarkable speed; and the economy has achieved levels of real growth which most countries in Europe would find difficult to emulate. The immense international goodwill towards the new state at independence was translated at last year's Aid Conference in Zimbabwe into substantial pledges of financial assistance, much of which, together with our own contribution, is now flowing into the country. Record levels of maize and tobacco production have been achieved. On all of this, and much more, we most warmly congratulate you, Mr. Prime Minister, your Government and all the people of Zimbabwe. [end p4]
Since Independence our bilateral relations with Zimbabwe have developed apace. The large number of visits by Ministers in both directions is only one reflection of the importance which we both attach to reinforcing these close ties. I know that Peter Carrington thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Zimbabwe last February and was most grateful for the warmth of the welcome he received there.
Britain is the biggest single foreign investor in Zimbabwe and we shall encourage British firms to discuss possibilities for new investment and joint ventures with the Zimbabwean Government. [end p5] The fact that you have brought a strong team of economic Ministers has demonstrated your wish to pursue such cooperation, and we hope this visit will enable us to identify further opportunities for British and Zimbabwean industry to work together to our mutual advantage.
There have of course been many changes in Zimbabwe in the past two years. There is one which I would particularly like to mention. Recently you renamed your capital city Harare. This I believe translates as ‘the one who never sleeps’. [end p6]
This seems to me to be a particularly apt description for the home of a Prime Minister who has worked tirelessly to consolidate the independence of his country and improve the quality of life of his people.
We have been enormously impressed by what has been achieved and we shall continue to provide as much moral and material support as our circumstances allow. A successful Zimbabwe will undoubtedly contribute to the peace and stability of Central and Southern Africa as a whole, and we wish you and your colleagues well in your endeavours.