I leave the Gulf for home today after a most instructive and stimulating visit—the first by a British Prime Minister to the area.
Wherever I have gone I have been welcomed with great warmth and kindness. I have also found a deep appreciation and satisfaction among the countries I have visited that Britain, an old friend of the area, is taking a closer interest in its affairs.
I believe my visit has achieved two main objectives:
—first, to demonstrate our continuing interest and concern in a part of the world which is of enormous strategic and political significance; and
—second, to get over to my hosts the contribution which British industry, commerce and technology can make to the development of the huge natural resources and potential of the Gulf States.
We can do much in partnership to benefit our own people and the world.
It has been a very happy and constructive tour indeed. And I look forward to returning to the Gulf in the autumn.