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Toast Remarks by Deputy President Jacob
Zuma on the Occasion of the Official Dinner held in
his Honour by the Prime Minister of the Republic of
Poland Warsaw, Poland,13 September 2004
Your Excellency, the Prime Minister of the Republic
of Poland,
Prof Belka
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
South African Ambassador to the Republic of Poland
Polish Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of South
Africa
Distinguished Guests,
Thank you very much for hosting us in this beautiful
country, which has a very special place in the history
of the world.
We have been touched by the warmth and friendship with
which we have been received, and this indicates the
warm nature of the relations between our two countries.
Our bilateral discussions earlier today have confirmed
to us that Poland is indeed a key partner in our mission
of rebuilding our country and the African continent,
and of making the world a better place.
I also had the privilege of meeting with the President
of the Republic of Poland, His Excellency Mr Aleksander
(Kwasniewski) and was humbled by his high regard for
South Africa. Our relations are indeed on a very sound
footing.
Mr Prime Minister, we believe its is quite a privilege
for us to visit Warsaw during such an important year.
We are here just a few weeks after the observance of
the 60th anniversary of the tragic Warsaw Uprising,
in which South African pilots also played a role, as
they intervened to attempt to save the lives of some
of the victims.
The Uprising as well as the death of several millions
of people during the Second World War in this country,
half of them Jews, remains a reminder to us of how dangerous
bigotry ca be in the world. We know that to many people,
particularly in Europe, the Second World War brings
back specific memories because the impact of the war
was felt most here than in other parts of the world.
We congratulate your country on the manner in which
the Polish people have always risen above conflict and
periodic turbulence, to bring about peace and stability
and the rebuild this country. Please accept the good
wishes of the people and government of the Republic
of South Africa on the anniversary of the Uprising.
Mr Prime Minister, as Poland marks 60 years of the
Warsaw Uprising this year, South Africa is celebrating
10 years of freedom and democracy.
On behalf of the people of South Africa, I would like
to express our heartfelt gratitude for the solidarity
and support we received from Poland during the struggle
against apartheid.
Mr Prime Minister, as we all know, the Second World
War was followed by a long period of the cold war, which
had a direct impact on African countries.
We have since begun to work tirelessly to place Africa
on the path towards sustainable development.
In doing this, we need the support of partners such
as yourselves. Let me therefore use this occasion to
once again congratulate Poland on your country's accession
to the European Union in May this year.
We also welcome the fact that as a new member of the
EU, Poland pledged readiness to become involved in the
existing mechanism of the EU co-operation with Africa.
We also greatly appreciate your role in supporting
the efforts of the United Nations, EU and African Union
in promoting the peaceful solution of conflicts in Africa
and the consolidation of peace.
The quest for peace and stability is a priority for
our continent and we welcome every kind of assistance
and support we can obtain.
On economic co-operation, I met members of the Polish
Chamber of Commerce earlier today. We believe there
are many opportunities for developing further contacts
between African and Polish enterprises, within the framework
of the New Partnership for Africa's Development.
The Polish business community needs to explore these
opportunities, and our government will be there to assist
where we can, through the relevant departments.
Mr Prime minister, we thank your for inviting us and
hosting us in your country. We believe that there is
a lot that we can do together for mutual benefit, and
are convinced that our relations can only go from strength
to strength after this visit.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I invite you to rise and
join me in a toast to deeper and stronger relations
between the Government and people of the Republic of
South Africa, and the Government and people of the Republic
of Poland!
Cheers, Jingkuye!
Issued by: The Presidency
13 September 2004
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