Ambassador Welile Nhlapo to represent Souht Africa at the Inauguration of USA President-Elect Barack Obama

Pretoria- South African Ambassador to Washington DC, Welile Nhlapo will on Tuesday 20 January 2009 represent South Africa at the inauguration ceremony of the USA’s President-elect Barrack Obama, scheduled for later in the day.

This is line with the official communiqué from the American authorities which has advised governments across the world that no invitations will be issued to foreign delegations to attend the inauguration ceremony.

In this regard, South Africa like all other countries will be represented at the inauguration ceremony at an ambassadorial level. Accordingly, Ambassador Welile Nhlapo who is accredited to Washington DC will represent President Kgalema Motlanthe, the government and people of our country at the ceremony.

In this regard, the South African government wishes to reiterate President Motlanthe’s congratulatory message to President-elect Barrack Obama following his historic victory “Your election to this high office of the American people carries with it hope for millions of your country men and women as much as it is for millions of people of particularly of the African descent both in the continent of Africa as well as those in the Diaspora”.

“In this regard, they too, express the hope that your election to the Presidency of the United States of America will indeed contribute significantly to efforts in the continent of Africa to help bring about “change they can believe in” to create a better life for all” continued President Motlanthe.

“Accordingly, Africa which today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at a bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavour to create a better world for all who live in it.

“We express the hope that poverty and under-development in Africa which remains a challenge for humanity will indeed continue to receive a greater attention of the focus of the new administration”

“South Africa looks forward to working with you, Your Excellency, in the consolidation of the strategic bilateral political, economic, trade and social relations between our two governments and peoples”

“We wish you, your Excellency, a fruitful and healthy life during your tenure as President of United States of America” concluded President Motlanthe.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

19 January 2009