HC Deb 17 February 1975 vol 886 c310W
Mrs. Winifred Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding his visit to Portugal.

Mr. James Callaghan

I paid an official visit to Portugal on 6th and 7th February at the invitation of the Portuguese Government.

I had talks with the Foreign Minister, Dr. Soares, and a meeting with the President and Prime Minister. During my visit I expressed our support and understanding for the forces in Portugal working for democracy. In my talks with Dr. Soares we discussed ways in which we could expand our relations, what technical assistance and help we could provide for Portugal and her African territories coming to independence, East-West relations, general problems of Africa and the Middle East and Portugal's relations with western organisations.

I have placed in the Library a copy of the joint communiqué issued at the end of the visit.