President Thabo Mbeki Offers Condolences to Bangladeshi Counterpart  

Pretoria – South African President Thabo Mbeki today Friday 16 November 2007, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, conveyed to the President and government of Bangladesh, his deepest condolences following cyclonic activity that struck Bangladesh earlier today Friday 16 November 2007.

In a message of support to his counterpart President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, President Mbeki said: “Your Excellency, South Africa joins the international community in offering its deepest condolences to the government and people of your country following the deaths and injuries of hundreds of people, as well as damage and destruction to infrastructure and property occasioned by Cyclone Sidr

“In this regard, the people of South Africa share in the pain, sorrow and loss of the government and peoples of Bangladesh. Accordingly, please be assured of the prayers and thoughts of the people and government of South Africa to the peoples and government of Bangladesh during this moment of bereavement

“In particular please extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives during this tragic incident”

“In this regard South Africa stands ready, within its limited resources, to join the international community in assisting the government and peoples of Bangladesh to deal with aftermaths of this incident” President Thabo Mbeki .

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
Department of Foreign Affairs Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

16 November 2007