FOR PRESS: STATE VISIT BY THE PRESIDENT OF ITA LY
TO AUSTRALIA 25 SEPTEMBER 1 OCTOBER,
1967
JOINT COMMUNIQUE
At the invitation of the Commonwealth of Australia, the President
of the Republic of Italy, the Honourable -GiuseppeS aragat, accompanied by
the Minister of Foreign ffairs, the Honourable Amintcre Fanfan., raid a
State visit to Australia from 25 September until 1 October, 1967. staying in
Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
In Canberra, President Saragat was received by the Governor-
General, Lord Casey, and had meetings with the Prime Minister, Mr Harold
Holt, other members of the Australian Government, and the Leader of the
Opposition, Mr Gough V,! hitlam.
The Italian President was Guest of Honour at a dinner given by the
Governor-General and at a State function at Parliament House, at which the
President delivered an address. The President was host at a dinner at the
Italian Embassy. In Melbourne and Sydney, the President attended functions given
by the State Governors and was tendered Civic Receptions at the Town Halls
of both cities. . i'hile in Melbourne, the President visited the Royal
Agricultural Show. In both capitals, the President addressed large gatherings
of t i Italian communities, bringing them the greetings of Italy.
The Italian Foreign Minister, Mr Fanfani, had political talks
with the Australian Minister for External Affairs, Mr Hasluck, and also had
a meeting with senior members of the Australian Cabinet. Major international
problems of the moment were reviewed in an atmosphere of frank cordiality.
In the course of these conversations, the Italian and ustralian
leaders reviewed problems concerning the role of the United Nations in the
peaceful solution of international disputes in accordance with the Charter,
co-operation in economic and social fields and assistance to developing
countries. Emphasis was placed on the responsibility of the industrialized
countries to assist developing countries and to encourage a more satisfactory
balance in technological progress. Both parties reaffirmed their common
aim to continue endeavours towards the progressive realization of disarmament
and the non-proliferation of nuclear arms.
Mr Fanfani outlined general aspects of action being taken by the
Italian Government towards the maintenance of peace and security within the
framework of its alliances and towards the realization of European unity.
He also described Italian viewpoints on the process of European integration,
together with the prospects of Britain's entering into the European Economic
Community. Mr Hasluc, described the Australian Government's position in
relation to South-East Asia and the Facific, and to the tensions existing in
that area. Developments in Viet Nam were the subject of an exchange of
views, particular attention being given to the present situation ' n South Viet
Nam. The importance of early progress towards any possible negotiations
for a just and peaceful solution was also considered. It was agreed that such
a solution might be sought on the basis of the Geneva Agreements and with / 2
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the possible assistance, direct or indirect, of thb-United-Nations.
Special consideration was g. ven-to-the question of Italian m. gration
to Australia. The substantial contribution made by Italian migrants to the
development of Australia's economy and population was highly appreci. ated
by the Australian Government. Both countries indicated their desire that
co-operation in this field between Italy and Australia should continue and
develop still further . n the best possible conditions. Therefore the two
Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Australian Minister for Immigration
signed an agreement on migration ai. d exchanged notes on an arrangemeqt
for assisted migration. The agreement, which covers a wide field, provides
a continuing basis for Italian migrants to participate in and to benefit
substantially from A ustralia's future development.
The imoortance of trade between the two countries was emphasised
in the course of the talks. It was recognised that trade exchanges between
the countries have been developing steadily and that there would be great
value in encouraging further improz-nent of trade and economic relati ons.
In this connection a Memorandum of Understanding, governing the health
requirements for the ' mportation of Australian meat into Italy, was
initialled. The possibility of co-operation in the industrial field was also
raised. It was noted with satisfaction that there is a growing interest in
Australia in the Italian language and culture, and both parties were n
agreement on the value of increased collaboration in matters of science and
culture. The proposal of the Australian Government to establish a
Consulate-General in Milan was welcomed on the Italian part.
The Italian and Australian Ministers agreed that the exchangeof
views had offered an e,, xcellent occasion to consolidate the friendshi. p and
co-operation exist-. ng between Australia and Italy, and it was felt that it
would prove of mutual benefit to increase contact at all levels between the
represenatives of the two countries.
A formal invitation to visit Italy at a mutually convenient time
was extended to the Frime Minister and the Minister for External Affairs,
and was cordially accepted.
FRIME MINISTER'S CFFICE.
CANBERRA. 3C'th September,