Motlanthe's letters of credence to strengthen relations

By Luyanda Makapela



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. - BuaNews