PRESIDENT ROBINSON AT A RECEPTION FOR THE IRISH COMMUNITY, 4 OCTOBER, 1994
PRESIDENT ROBINSON AT A RECEPTION FOR THE IRISH COMMUNITY, 4 OCTOBER, 1994
- I am greatly honoured to be able to meet here this evening with so many of the Irish community in Zimbabwe.
- As President of Ireland, it is always a very special privilege for me when visiting a country to have opportunities such as this of meeting informally with those people who make up the global Irish family.
- These occasions also help to remind me of the great contributions that Irish people have made to their adopted countries.
- Most people are aware of the contributions made by Irish people to the building of the US and Canada and of Australia too.
- Perhaps, they are not as aware that Irish people have played prominent roles in the development of many other countries.
- Zimbabwe is a case in point. Although the Irish community here is small, it has, over the years, made a contribution to the development of this country out of all proportion to its size.
- Many of you here this evening have contributed to this development over many years. some of you are here more recently.
- So many aspects of Zimbabwean life have benefitted from your work. Education, construction, engineering, farming, industry, commerce and administration are areas to which you have contributed. Your work here has been greatly appreciated.
- You have seen Zimbabwe grow and develop and take its place as a peaceful, independent and progressive African country.
- During my visit here I have been greatly struck by how determined the Government is to promote economic growth in order to raise living standards.
- I have been enchanted by the beauty of this land, by the majesty of Victoria Falls, and by the rich diversity of the wild life.
- With its abundant natural and human resources, and of course its beautiful climate, Zimbabwe has the potential to advance rapidly.
- I am sure it can do so. I am sure that the Irish community here will have left an indelible Irish stamp on Zimbabwe's progress, as Irish people have done with such distinction elsewhere in the world.
- I would like to thank you again for coming here this evening, for your warm welcome and making me feel so at home.