Pretoria — Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Sue van Der Merwe has called on all foreign missions in South Africa to work towards increased cultural exchanges with the country.

She was speaking during an International Fair held on the southern lawns of the Union Buildings on Saturday, co-hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Tshwane Metro.

"Today we meet here to share our different cultures with one another in our efforts to build human bridges that will not only help us to work together but also help us with economic opportunities provided by your countries," said Ms Van Der Merwe.

The international fair now its ninth year is a cultural and culinary event hosted with the aim of promoting interaction and cultural understanding between the citizens of the Tshwane and foreign missions accredited to South Africa.

Held under the banner "Building human bridges and extending the age of hope" the event saw different foreign missions exhibiting what their countries offered to both tourists and business in terms of economic opportunities.

"We are honoured to be host to this glorious event whereby we as a city and a country share among others, cultural experiences with each other and build human bridges that indeed will extend the age of hope," said Tshwane Executive Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa.

Among countries that exhibited were Croatia, Indonesia, Botswana, México, and the People's Republic of China.

However, what seemed to be of most interest to the viewers was the Mexican stall that exhibited carrot cakes and puddings, and most interestingly, its best Tequilas.

The country is said to be producing more than 1 000 kinds of the alcoholic drink.

The Chinese stand also had its own share of viewers, with people flocking to admire that country's traditional umbrella and several other eastern decorations.

Not wanting to be left out, South Africa exhibited several items including the traditional 20 litre "drie voet" pot often used in weddings and funerals to cook a big feast.