AT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Mr. President, Mrs. Johnson, distinguished guests:
First of all, Mr. President, I wish to state my satisfaction
of the fact you have recovered
as spiritedly from your recent difficulty with your health.
It is nice to see you in the state
that I find you today.
Each generation thinks that the situation it faces is the
most serious one, the most
difficult among those which were faced by generations of the
past. However this may
be true today, I believe, when we say the task of this generation
is burdensome, we
mean it.
Because of the progress mankind has achieved and because
of the difficulties that are
at times part and parcel of progress and prosperity, we find
ourselves at a crossroad
where we might malso the world safe for our future generations
or we might all perish
together.
The friendship between the United States and Ethiopia is
one of long standing. Our
association in the past many decades, I hope, has been fruitful
for both our peoples.
Because the United States and Ethiopia believe in the same
fundamental and essential
goals, it is necessary that we should put our efforts together
so that we may make
maximum contnbution for the safety, happiness and prosperity
of the generations to
come.
In our discussions, Mr. President, I hope we will have the
occasion of considering certain
questions of mutual concern, of exchanging views in a frank
and open manner, and arriving,
I am confident, at a consensus of understanding.
I believe that these are not confined to our times and that
leaders must from time to time
come together, face each other, and discus problems they share
in common. It is not
enough that we deal through diplomatic channels.
Mr. President I know of the hard work that you have in your
country. I know of the immense responsibility you carry for
the safety of mankind, for the maintenance of peace. I know
also of your splendid effort in maintaining national peace
and security. I am glad, under the circumstances, that you
are able to consider my coming to the United States for the
purpose of dealing with matters of mutual interest.
Ethiopia and Ethiopians are labouring today not only for
the peace and prosperity of our
people, but also, realizing the fundamental common interest
which we share with other
African people, we have dedicated Ourselves to building a
united and a more prosperous
Africa. We found that the interest that affects Africa affects
also Ethiopia and vice versa,
because our destiny with the African Continent is a common
one.
We have to put up a common effort to see that the Continent's
interests are protected. As it
is well known, the Organization of African Unity was established
in Addis Ababa. I believe
this organization has made a good beginning in the interest
of all of the African people.
I hope, Mr. President, during our private conversations I
will have an opportunity of
exchanging views with you about matters of mutual concern,
as well as matters that relate
to the Organization of African Unity.
Let me say, again, that I am glad to be in the United States
today and I pray that our
discussions will bear fruit.
Thank you.
Feb. 13, 1967.
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