I said on arrival that my first visit to Greece was going to be a real personal pleasure, as well as giving the opportunity for substantial discussion only three months before Greece joins us as a full member of the European Community. My expectations have been amply fulfilled. The visit has, I think, been a success. It has certainly been a pleasure. The pattern for a new, closer relationship as partners in Europe has been set. The visit will be followed up very soon, with that of the John NottSecretary of State for Trade next month. And I look forward to your George RallisPrime Minister paying a return visit to Britain soon. [end p1]
I am particularly grateful for the Greek Government's hospitality and for the friendly reception I have met with wherever I have been in Athens.
My talks with your Constantine KaramanlisPresident and with Mr. Rallis covered a whole range of international affairs in addition to Community questions and our bilateral relations. It has been valuable to me to have the Greek view on both the wider problems and those of the region. I was particularly interested to be given detailed information on the question of Greek re-integration into NATO. This, as I said in my speech at the Prime Minister's dinner on Monday, is of great importance to us all. [end p2]
Over the whole field covered in the talks, our views were, as befits friends and allies, very similar.
Our relations are close. Our friendship is solid. We are going to work closely together in Europe.