Press Release

06 May 2012

President Zuma congratulates Mr Hollande on winning French Elections

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma has tonight, 06 May 2012, congratulated Mr Francois Hollande on winning the French Presidential elections.

President Zuma said: "We would like to take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to Mr Hollande and the people of France for a successful election."

President Zuma added that South Africa and France enjoy strong bilateral political and trade relations. In this regard, President Zuma said: "We look forward to consolidating our political and trade relations with the government of France under Mr Hollande's leadership".

France plays an important role in various multilateral fora including the European Union, the United Nations Security Council, the G20, the International Monetary Fund and other strategic multilateral institutions.

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

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