§ 48. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to improve relations with the countries of eastern Europe.
§ Mr. RifkindWe attach importance to the development of relations with the countries of Eastern Europe and we have a regular programme of political consultations. My right hon. and learned Friend had valuable discussions during his recent visits to Romania and Bulgaria and he is474W looking forward to further useful exchanges when he visits the German Democratic Republic, Czhechoslovakia and Poland from 8 to 13 April. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister visited Hungary in February 1984, and in March we shall welcome the Hungarian Foreign Minister Mr. Varkonyi to Britain. We also continue to work for closer cultural and commercial relations with the countries of Eastern Europe.