PM Transcripts

FOR MEDIA THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 1982
ANNIVERSARY OF THE TREATY OF ROME
Today is the Twenty Fifth Anniversary of the signing of the
Treaty of Rome which brought the European Economic Cormunity
into being on 25 March 1957.
I should like to pay tribute to the vision of a united
Europe which guided the formation of the Community. We in
Australia have a shared history and shared cultural values with
Europe and a common commitment to democracy as partners in the
Western alliance. We continue to attach importance to a strong
and united Europe.
We also look to Europe with its great economic and political
power, for leadership towards outward-looking and constructive
goals and a continuing commitment to liberal, multilateral
trading. This is especially important at a time when the
international trading community is facing difficulties.
It is Australia's hope that the broad vision which led to the
formation of the European Community twenty five years ago will
continue to guide Community policies.