President Thabo Mbeki Congratulates Newly-Elected President of Benin, Mr Yayi Thomas Boni

Tshwane: President Thabo Mbeki, today, 19 April 2006, extended on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, fraternal greetings to his Beninese counterpart, Mr Yayi Boni, upon his recent victory in the Presidential elections held in Benin in March this year.

In his message of congratulations to President Boni, President Mbeki conveyed warm greetings and sincere congratulations and expressed the hope of pursuing a closer working relationship between the Governments and peoples of South Africa and Benin.

"On behalf of the South African Government, I wish to assure you of our support in the tasks that lie ahead, and of our continued goodwill and desire to see a further deepening and strengthening of our relationship".

Issued by Mr Ronnie Mamoepa (082 990 4853)

c/o Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

19 April 2006