President Jacob Zuma congratulates US President Barack Obama on Nobel Peace prize

Pretoria- South African President Jacob Zuma has, today 10 October 2009, congratulated US President Barack Obama on being awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

It is with great pleasure that I received the news and on behalf of myself, the Government and the people of South Africa, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere congratulations to you on receiving this honour.

Accordingly, we share your vision for the future and embrace your ideals of a world that is at peace and free of nuclear weapons. as leaders in these challenging times, we need to join together to fulfil our share of the collective responsibility to ensure that generations to come inherit a future that is safe and prosperous.

In this regard, Your leadership has given the world hope and the confidence to embrace each other.in South Africa we have a term in Zulu "UBUNTU"- a person is a person because of others- your leadership reflects the true spirit of Ubuntu because your approach celebrates our common humanity.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag x152
Pretoria
0001

10 October 2009