Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has welcomed eight new Heads of Mission, who will represent their countries in South Africa.
Zuma received letters of credence from ambassadors and high commissioners representing the Republic of Korea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jamaica, Myanmar, Grenada, Brazil and Belgium, on Tuesday.
Korea’s ambassador to South Africa, Y Lee, said his country had particular fondness for South Africa and Durban.
“To the people of Korea, South Africa and the City of Durban is a land of hope, promise and blessing because Durban was the place for Pyeongchang’s Olympic dreams to come true.”
Just last week, the Korean city of Pyeongchang was named as the host city for the 2018 Winters Olympics at the 123rd International Olympic Committee Session held in Durban.
Zuma in turn congratulated Korea on winning the bid saying the bid was “absolutely wonderful”.
Both the President and Lee also acknowledged the cordial relations that exist between the countries since diplomatic relations were established almost 20 years ago.
Zuma said he was very happy to deepen relations with Korea.
Belgium’s ambassador to South Africa, J Maricou, noted that his country and South Africa enjoyed excellent bilateral relations.
“We share like-minded views on a number of regional and international matters,” he said.
While Zuma agreed that relations between Belgium and South Africa were very good, he said more could be done to enhance them further.
South Africa would also look to increase its trade with Belgium, the President said.
Grenada’s High Commissioner to South Africa, RE Rouse, said she would look to build on the strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries.
She also congratulated Zuma and the country on the great strides that South Africa has made both economically and politically over the years.
Zuma noted that the support the country received from Grenada during the struggle against apartheid, saying many cadres used Grenadian passports during that time.
The President also received letters of credence from ambassadors Dr YM Kassa of Ethiopia, Dr H Al-Alawi of Iraq, M Naung of Myanmar, PL Carneiro de Mendonca of Brazil and Jamaica’s High Commissioner to South Africa N Taylor-Roberts. – BuaNews
