FOR MEDIA SUNDAY, 4 OCTOBER 1981
OPENING OF THE
INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION CHANCERY BUILDING
I am honoured to have been asked to participate in this
historic and symbolic occasion and I would like to thank you,*
High Commissioner, for inviting me to join you at this ceremony.
S I am particularly glad, Mrs Gandhi, that your presence in
Australia fJ* or the Heads of Government Meeting has enabled you
to be present at this ceremony. And I would like to take this.
opportunity to congratulate you, and your government and people,
on the opening of this new High Commission.
Indeed, all those who have contributed to the building of this
distinctive chancery, which in its style is so characteristic
of India and which so gracefully adorns Australia's capital
city, are to be congratulated.
India and Australia have had a long and close relationship.
We share a democratic experience and this experience has
taught us that with mutual respect and an understanding of
the position of others, different interests can be reconciled to
the benefic't of all. But the warmth of the friendship between our
two countries goes further than this, and extends to sporting
and cultural links, as well as a wide and increasing range of
contacts between our people.
There is an increasing awareness of India in Australia, an
increasing exposure of Indian news in Australia media, an
extensive interest in the study of India in Australian universities.
These and other factors encourage Australian tourists to visit
India and to learn more of your country. I would also mention
that our two countries have recently agreed to new and attractive
air travel aprrangements which will give further encouragement
to tourism-and I welcome the increasing interest in India by
young Australians. The impressions and attachments that young
people form through such exchanges will strengthen the bonds of
friendship between our two countries.
I have had t he pleasure of visiting India on several occasions
in the past two years and have seen something of the richness
of Indian civilization, and of the greatne~ ss of your history
and traditions. Australians cannot fail to be impressed-by the
combination of India's ancient heritag~ e and her contemporary.
cultural vitality, together, of course, with her impressive
advances, often in the face of formidable difficulties, in
agriculture, science and industry.
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It is also pleasing that the recent high-level mission to
India from the Australian Trade Development Council has
returned with-an optimistic view of the prospects for
broadening a number of areas of commercial relationships
between our two countries.
And now this splendid new High Cortmission building brings
to us here in Australia a fascinating glimpse of the style
and architectural heritage of India. India is clearly a
most important nation especially in relation to our part
of the world, with a great deal to contribute to the peace,.
stability and well-being not only of her own region, but
on the wider international front as well.
Over many years, India has been a leader in advocating
international peace and co-operation. India has. spoken with
a voice of co-operation and principle, seeking common ground
between countries and an enlargement of areas of agreement.
As middle-ranking powers we can contribute to international
debate and help play a part in the achievement of results
which might not otherwise be possible.
Mrs Gandhi, you and I have been and are participating
in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Today, we
have had an excellent example of the way in which the
Commonwealth can work to achieve positive action in relation to
major issues facing the world. I am referring to the unanimous
declaration of the Cormmonwealth Heads of Government on human
poverty and relations between developed and developing countries.
This declaration has one over-riding purpose: to e:. press as
clearly and as forcefully as possible the joint commitment
of Commonwealth Governments to revitalising the dialogue
between developed. and developing countries. It also aims to
achieve a much wider understanding of the massive size of the
problems which must be dealt with.
The clear and direct language of the declaration expresses
both to governments and to peoples inside and outside the
Commonwealth the urgency with which we believe these immense
human problems must be tackled. Everything which might detract
from the clarity of this message has been deliberately omitted.
It does not deal with specifics or with practical measures.
These will be dealt with at length, and with substance, in the
communique at the end of the meeting. The declaration is
particularly timely coming as it does shortly before the
North-SouthL Summit. at Cancun. in. Mexico.
The Commonwealth has addressed itself to one of the most
pressing and difficult issues facing mankind and has found
a comrimon mind. The declaration of Melbourne is I am sure,
a most significant step in achieving the objectives both
Australia and India seek, and I know that we both take considerable
satisfaction in its achievement.
Again I would like to thank you, Primer Minister, for having
chosen to erect this fine building in Canberra. I am sure that
your Hligh Commissioner and all tho~; c who will work in these
offices over the years to come, will. play a significant role
in advancing the relationship between our two countries.
Today is an important day for India and Australia, and I am
honoured to have been invited to play a part in these celebrations.
o0o