President Thabo Mbeki Congratulates Newly-elected President of Portugal, Cavaco Silva

Tshwane- South African President Thabo Mbeki today, Thursday 25 January 2006 conveyed on behalf of the government and people of South Africa fraternal greetings and congratulations to the newly elected President of Portugal, Cavaco Silva.

In his message of support, President Mbeki said " I take great pleasure in conveying to your Excellency, on behalf of my government and the people of South Africa, sincere greetings and congratulations on your election as President of the Republic of Portugal.

I wish to assure your Excellency of our continued desire to see a further strengthening of our relationship both at a bilateral and a multilateral level. As far as the latter is concerned I would also like to express my gratitude for the initiatives your country has taken to promote EU/Africa relations and to host the summit in this regard, in Lisbon, at the earliest possible date.

May I take this opportunity to express the wishes for your Excellency's personal good health and prosperity for your country" concluded President Mbeki.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

25 January 2006