HC Deb 06 December 1965 vol 722 c14W
Mrs. McKay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals he has for a new initiative to improve relations between Her Majesty's Government and the Governments of the Arab States.

Mr. George Thomson

I am naturally anxious to promote good relations with all the Arab States. The series of visits to Arab countries which I have undertaken recently and which in most cases were the first to be made by a Foreign Office Minister for a number of years, themselves constituted the kind of initiative I believe my hon. Friend has in mind. I believe that taking them as a whole they increased understanding of our policies and in most cases significantly strengthened bilateral relations.

I should not neglect any opportunity that offers to bring about further improvements in relations.