Mr. Chairman,
Let me thank you first of all for the opportunity given to the Czechoslovak delegation to deliver a statement at this important session which is being held in the year of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Economic Commission for Africa. The anniver sary session of the Commission is being held at a time when the events in the international political and economic spheres give rise to concerns on the part of all peace-loving forces in the world. The imperialist states force upon the world new rounds of the arms race, stir up old hotbeds of tension and generate new conflicts and crisis situations in different parts of the world. Through their policy of strength, pressure and dictates, they resort to unconcealed in terference in the internal affairs of foreign States.
The present problems that characterize the world economy today can be regarded as a logical consequence of such a policy being practised by aggressive forces.
A serious factor which undoubtedly contributes to the creation of new difficulties and to the aggravation of existing ones in the economies of almost all States of the world are astronomic expenditures for military purposes, which expenditures are becoming an ever heavier burden for the nations of the world regardless of the level of their economic development, and a burden that not only slows" down but — let us say directly — also jeop ardizes economic and social progress.
Mr. Chairman,
Czechoslovakia is of the opinion that the existence of inequality and injustice in interna tional economic relations is a threat to international peace and security. The arms race makes it possible for these problems to prevail and is the main obstacle to their solution. It should be recalled in this context that it would certainly be a positive step if we accept the proposal of the USSR for a 10 per cent cut in the military spending of the permanent mem bers of the United Nations Security Council, which would be a substantial contribution not only to strengthening of peace but also to a possible recovery of the positive trends of the growth of economic development. A portion of the resources so released could be used for promoting the economic development of the third world countries. The CSSR fully under stands the concerns about a further deterioration of the world economy as voiced by many at the recent seventh summit of the Heads of State and Government of the States Members of the Non-Aligned Movement in New Delhi.
The CSSR along with other socialist States supports those requirements of the develop ing countries which are aimed at the establishment of democratic economic relations among States so that conditions can be created for an extensive development of all countries ir respective of the achieved level of development and of social systems. This position of prin ciple was also expressed in the political declaration of the Warsaw Treaty which was adopted at the conclusion of the session of the political consultative committee of the War saw Treaty by Member States in Prague. I quote: "One of the basic factors in the improve ment of the international political climate is the elimination of the low level of develop ment, the gradual diminution of differences in economic standards, and the creation of conditions for a harmonious promotion of international relations in the economic,, scientific and technological spheres. In this connexion, the participants at the session affirmed their stand in favour of the restructuring of international economic relations on an equitable and democratic basis, the establishment of a new international economic order and the guaran tee of full sovereignty to the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania over their natural resources. They called for the opening, without delay, of global talks on the most important economic problems in keeping with UN decisions" end of quote,
Mr. Chairman,
Economic, scientific and technological contacts with developing countries are an impor tant component of Czechoslovak foreign relations. By its nature, our economy is geared towards broader international economic co-operation. An important feature of Czechos lovak commercial contacts with the developing countries is that they are based on the prin ciple of mutual benefit and on respect for national and economic sovereignty.
Apart from a constant development of commercial exchanges, the practical implementa
tion of this co-operation is concentrated in the field of investments. The CSSR, through the
capabilities at its disposal, contributes to the construction, modernization and reconstruction of larger and smaller industrial facilities. Co-operation between the CSSR and African countries can be seen also in the sphere of the preparation, education and training of na tional cadres for the African countries. At present, more than 1,000 such students are studying at Czechoslovak high schools and universities and similar institutions. Furthermore, we are developing co-operation in the field of science and technology, and with advisors and experts in more than half of all the countries of the African continent.In this connexion, I would like to remind you that the Czechoslovak people and the world public are deeply hurt and alarmed by the kidnapping in Angola of 66 Czechoslovak citizens, including women and children. These Czechoslovaks worked peacefully in the Alto Catumbela paper factory as experts sent there to assist with the reconstruction of the in dustry of independent Angola. The action of the anti-government organization, UNITA, is aimed at endangering the economic co-operation efforts of the CSSR but also those be tween the other socialist countries, and African countries and therefore should be con demned and denounced by public opinion and all progressive forces on humanitarian grounds.
Bilateral economic co-operation between Czechoslovakia and African countries, contrac tual co-operation and co-operation through the United Nations specialized agencies are all gradually increasing in scope and content. It is an integral part of overall Czechoslovak for eign policy and helps to develop ever expanding mutually advantageous ties.
Mr. Chairman,
The countries and nations of the African continent will be challenged by many problems in future in connexion with their economic and social development. Utmost efforts and a lot of goodwill are required to resolve pressing political, economic and social problems.
May I wish all the countries of your continent much success and good luck in mastering the tasks connected with the solution of your various problems and may lasting peaceful co operation develop among all nations in the interest of the prosperity of all mankind.
Thank you for your attention.
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