Israel's relations with the United Kingdom have reached a stage of mutual trust and growing cooperation in many areas. This was confirmed by the visit to Israel of Mrs. Thatcher, the first British prime minister to visit Israel while in office. She was returning Mr. Peres's visit to the UX earlier that year. He greeted her at the airport in the following words:
"Prime Minister and Mr. Thatcher,
"This is a historic moment, because it is the first official visit to Israel by a British prime minister, and because British-Israeli relations are in themselves an exciting chapter in our own history.
"It is, therefore, with a special sense of pleasure that I welcome you and Mr. Thatcher in the name of the people and Government of Israel - a country whose founding history and political culture have a great closeness to that of the United Kingdom.
"Britain has had great prime ministers who at different times placed her at the leadership position in the free world. Your visit, Mrs. Thatcher, today, holds a special significance, for under your leadership the United Kingdom is once more in the forefront of the battle for peace and security. Your position in the attempt to stop international terrorism should serve as a shining example to all peace - and freedom - loving nations.
"So may I say, in the words of Proverbs: 'Many daughters have done valiantly but thou excellest them all.'
"It is my sincere hope that during your stay here we shall be able to continue our fruitful dialogue and exchange ideas on a broad range of subjects. I hope that your statesmanship and special relationship with leaders of the Middle East will not only bring both our countries closer together, but also help move our region forward toward economic prosperity and a stable peace.
"Israel receives you, Prime Minister, and Mr. Thatcher, as honored and welcome guests, and may I say in Hebrew, 'Barukh bo'akhem be'sha'arei yerushalayim' - 'Welcome to the ports of Jerusalem'."