BuaNews (Tshwane)
Luyanda Makapela
10 October 2008
Pretoria — President Kgalema Motlanthe has received letters of credence from four new Heads of Mission accredited to South Africa which aims to strengthen relations with the respective countries.
The President received credentials on Friday at the Presidential Guest House from Otto Ditz of the Republic of Austria; Mohamed Buba Marwa of the Republic of Nigeria; Mohamed Badr Eldin Mostafa Zayed of the Republic of Egypt and Peter Tejler of the Republic of Sweden.
Addressing the Heads of Mission, Mr Motlanthe stressed South Africa's commitment to strengthen relations with each of the countries with specific emphasis on the economic, political relations and opportunities.
"Ambassador [Zayed], Egypt and South Africa are economic engines of the continent and I believe your presence will lift Africa to its rightful position ... where it belongs," President Motlanthe said.
The President also reminded Mr Marwa of the important role played by South Africa and Nigeria in the continent.
"South Africa and Nigeria have significantly contributed to the African Union resolutions to ensure that peace and prosperity always prevailed in the entire continent."
Ambassador Marwa assured Mr Motlanthe that his appointment as a Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa will be a turning point in the relationships between the two countries.
"I want to assure you, Honourable President that I intend to carry out my assignment to the spirit and letter of my mandate while accelerating and increasing the tempo of the political, social and economic relations existing between the two countries," said Mr Marwa.
On the appointment of Ambassador Ditz (of Austria), President Motlanthe said, the move will enhance service delivery while continue to expand relations to a higher level.
He added that this will further enhance the facilitation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) projects that were currently underway in South Africa.
Sweden High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr Tejler extended his congratulations to the appointment of President Motlanthe, saying that his appointment will continue strengthening working relationships between the two countries.
"We always find ways of expanding our partnership into areas like defence, conflict prevention and conflict resolution in third countries.
"Sweden, without a colonial legacy, and South Africa, as a vibrant democracy and strong international actor can together contribute to creating better conditions in the region," said Mr Tejler.
On receiving credentials, Mr Motlanthe stressed South Africa's commitment to strengthening relations with the countries for their shared benefit.
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