President Thabo Mbeki Congratulates Prime Minister Tony Blair

Italy - President Thabo Mbeki, today, Friday 6 May 2005, conveyed South Africa's congratulations to Tony Blair on his re-election as the British Prime Minister.

"Please accept the congratulations of the government and peoples of the Republic of South Africa on your re-elections as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

"Your re-election certainly augurs well for the warm and fraternal relations that already exist between the peoples and governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of South Africa.

"Accordingly, as South Africa we look forward to strengthening and consolidating these relations with a particular focus on pushing back the frontiers of poverty and under-development both in our country and the continent of Africa.

"In this regard, we will continue to count on your unwavering support and commitment to working with leaders of our continent in bringing about the desired renaissance of Africa through our shared vision of NEPAD.

"We therefore look forward to meeting Your Excellency and your delegation at the forthcoming G8-Summit in Gleneagles in Scotland which will offer yet another opportunity for leaders of the most industrialised nations of the world to discuss with leaders of our continent the developmental agenda of Africa", said President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
? Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
6 May 2005