Toast at the dinner of The Fourth Session of the South African-German Binational Commission, Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, 30 October 2003

Vice Chancellor Fischer,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Distinguished guests,

After a hard day's work, we are pleased to be able to relax and dine with our German friends this evening.

We have every reason to be pleased with ourselves, given the success of this Fourth Binational Commission, which has served to further deepen the already warm relations between our two countries and peoples.

As said earlier today, we meet on the eve of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of our democracy. We have many exciting plans and dreams for our second decade of freedom. One of these is to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

As we speak, we are hosting a FIFA delegation and we will go all out to convince them that we have the capacity, capability and passion to host footbal's greatest game. I shall therefore not lose the opportunity to lobby you as well Mr Vice Chancellor. We believe German support is crucial in determining the outcome of the host country for the World Cup 2010.

Germany has one vote, held by German Football Association and FIFA Executive Member, Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder. We want it, we need it.

Our World Cup 2010 Bid Company is working closely with the German 2006 World Cup Organising Committee, some of whose members are in the country today. They have very sound relations with the German team of officials and football community, another indication of the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.

We thank Germany for the support during the first decade of our freedom, and humbly seek your continued partnership in the second decade of consolidating our development goals.

On another note, ladies and gentlemen, I have heard through very reliable sources that Vice Chancellor Fischer will be travelling to Cape Town tomorrow - for the first time.

Let me warn you Vice Chancellor that you will enjoy that beautiful city so much that you will be coming to South Africa regularly from now on!

Please allow me once again to thank the German delegation for the constructive discussions we have had today and for supporting South Africa in its vision for the future.

Please join me now for a toast on the excellent bilateral relations between South Africa and Germany.

I Thank you.