asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs which members of the Yugoslav Government were met by him during his recent visit to Yugoslavia; the general purpose of his visit; and the principal topics of discussion during his visit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minister's Visit to Yugoslavia.
5.
During my recent official visit to Yugoslavia, I had talks with the Vice-President of the Presidency, Mr. Stevan Doronjski, the President of the Federal Executive Council, Mr. Veselin Djuranovic, the Vice-President of the Federal Executive Council and Federal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Milos Minic, and the Federal Secretary for Foreign Trade, Dr. Emil Ludviger. I also met the Vice-President of the Federal Assembly, Mr. Milorad Pesic.
The visit took place in response to an invitation extended to me by Vice-President and Federal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Minic.
The topics discussed in the course of my visit included the development of bilateral relations in the economic and other fields between Ireland and Yugoslavia and the general question of Yugoslavia's relations with the EEC. We also exchanged views on a number of international questions of current interest, such as the situation in the Middle East and in the Horn of Africa, the general situation in Europe in the wake of the Belgrade meeting to review the implementation of the Helsinki Final Act, the forthcoming United Nations Special Session on Disarmament, Yugoslavia's policy on the non-aligned movement in which Yugoslavia plays a prominent part, and President Tito's recent series of international visits. I also briefed the Yugoslav Federal Secretary for Foreign Affairs on the Government's policy in relation to Northern Ireland.
Details of the visit are contained in two press releases issued on the occasion, copies of which I have placed in the Library.
I note that the Minister did not meet the President. Was the President out of the country at the time?
No. It was not ever intended that I should meet the President. As the Deputy will be aware, I had discussions with the President for one and a-half hours some weeks before that. I think he was out of the country for one day during my visit and, as far as I know, he was receiving the Prime Minister of Turkey.
In discussions relating to the non-aligned position and the leading position of Yugoslavia among non-aligned countries, were any questions put to the Minister regarding our own neutrality and did the Minister indicate any view on that matter?
No. There were no questions put to each other as to what our status would be, but we did seek to establish common ground. It was noted that the position taken by us and by the Nine generally, particularly at Belgrade, in support of the neutral and non-aligned countries has been very helpful. We had a very broad discussion on the aims, policies and priorities of the non-aligned countries and I offered observations which were taken as those of a friendly but interested country.
He was as wise when he ended as when he started. I am not too clear myself.