24 Mr. John M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give more emphasis to constructive relations with the Balkan states and with Yugoslavia in particular; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindWe already have good relations with the countries of the Balkans, with the exception of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania, which we recognise, but with which we do not have diplomatic 443W relations. My right hon. and learned Friend will have an opportunity to further relations with Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey when he visits these countries next month. Our relations with Yugoslavia are close and substantial in all areas. We value and respect Yugoslavia's constructive role as an independent and non-aligned state and have regular high-level contacts. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister visited Yugoslavia twice in 1980; in November 1983 we welcomed the President of the Federal Executive Council to the United Kingdom; I visited Yugoslavia in May last year; and in November my right hon. and learned Friend had a useful round of political consultations in London with Mr. Dizdarevic, the Federal Secretary for Foreign Affairs.