Speech at the banquet given in honor of Mr. Nicolae Ceausescu, President of the Socialist Republic of Romania on January 8, 1973

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan I would like to welcome most warmly our distinguished and honored guests from Romania. We have had discussions this afternoon but even before the discussions were held we knew that we would make progress in our meeting for the simple reason that the foreign policy of Romania and the foreign policy of Pakistan are in conformity with established and recognized international principles. These are based on the norms of justice and equity. We have seen over the years, since our Independence, from the time we established diplomatic relations, whenever there has been a crisis, whenever there has been a problem, whether it is in Asia or in Europe or in Latin America or in Africa or in the United Nations, the Governments of Romania and Pakistan have shared in most of these matters a common approach. This is because, as I said earlier, that our foreign policies stem from certain recognized irreversible international principles. Obviously sometimes set-backs take place but finally principles triumph. And we hope that with this approach most objectives can be achieved which are fair and just. Although Mr. President, your great country is in Europe and we are in Asia and vast land and high mountains separate us, nevertheless there is an affinity and prominent understanding which we feel with you, which perhaps sometimes one does not feel with those closest. So we look forward to a productive, constructive and cooperative relationship between Romania and Pakistan in spheres, whether they are economic, cultural, social or any other. And, I can assure you on behalf of our people that we will welcome our country is short. We hope that in these three days we can show you a little bit of Pakistan.

We hope that there will be more exchange of delegations at all level and in all spheres between our two countries. And we look forward again to your visit to our country where you can stay a little longer, see a little more of the people and of the places and return back to your country with a feeling that there is warmth, affection and regard and, sincere feelings for you, the role you have played in your own country, n Europe and on the world scene and for your people. But even on this occasion I have no doubt that when you go from place to place whether it is in Tarbela or in Lahore or in Karachi, if you look into the eyes of the people you will find a radiance in them and you will find in their smiles warmth and affection for you. We are happy that you came, we are delighted you took the trouble, we know that your visit to our country will further promote and consolidate our mutual relationship. I, therefore Ladies and Gentlemen, request you to join me in dinking a toast to H.E. the President of Romania and Medame Ceausescu.